Today we remember those who have served and sacrificed

People all around Australia stood apart, but as one this morning for a private dawn service at their home to reflect and honour Australians who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Although we weren't able to attend services this year and take photos of locals paying their respects, we have compiled a gallery of photos from services that were held across the Macleay Valley on ANZAC Day in 2019.

We also posted a call out on our Facebook page so locals could share the stories of who they will be standing for today. Here are a few of their names and their stories.

Tiana Adamson: My grandfather Arthur (Bub) Baker from South Kempsey.

Joanne Cottell Norris: Pte Harry Cottell 3279 35th Battalion A.I.F. He lived in Marsh St and fought in Villers Bretonneaux. He was injured and returned home a sick man. He was eventually made a T.P.I.

I am also a veteran having served in the Womens Royal Australian Naval Service. I have a number of relatives that have had streets named after them such as Thomas Hennessy and Reginald Ward that gave their lives for their country. I also have cousins that served in the Navy, Army and Airforce. We are a very patriotic family and I will proudly stand for all of them.

Manda Watson: I'll be standing for my grandfather Lance Corporal Noel Venning Harvey.

Joanne Williams: My son Brendon Williams served in Afghanistan from 2014 to 2015.

Vicki Simpson: My Uncle Was Robert Bruce Eggins. There is a street named after him in Kempsey.

Keya Rosenbaum: My grandfather served in WWII in Japan. Robert O'Leary from Kundabung.

Debra Hooper: My uncle Percy John Elford known as Poppy Percy to my children who was a Private in the second world war and on the Kokoda Trail. He came from Telegraph Point NSW and has sadly left us and will be represented on our balcony by my daughter Jordan Hooper, son Liam Hooper and myself.

Ruby Pascoe: My great-uncle Private Hector Lyall Pascoe 2631 of the 41^st Battalion. He was killed in action in 1917 while on the Western Front at the Battle of Passchendaele and was only 22 years of age when he died, he has no known grave.

Before he left for war he was a farmer in Northern NSW. My favourite thing I have of his is a letter he wrote to his younger brother Arnold (my grandfather) from the frontline, asking if he had started shaving yet.

John N. Thomas: Commemorating Lance Corporal C.W.D Wheeldon, from Gladstone. He was in the 45th Battalion AIF and was killed in action on August 19, 1918 in France.

Duncan Cutler: Harry Walker he is remembered on Harold Walker Avenue near the library.