Harden welcomed Anzac Day with a solemn and moving Dawn Service at Newson Park on Saturday morning.
The service began promptly at 6:00 am with a welcome from Mr Tim O’Keeffe.
The gathering joined in singing the hymn Abide with Me, its reflective lyrics setting a contemplative tone for the early-morning remembrance.
The Chaplain then led the 23rd Psalm, with the familiar words “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want” echoing across the park as attendees reflected on themes of comfort, guidance and peace.
A wreath was laid by the Chapter representative in honour of Australia’s and New Zealand’s fallen service men and women. Council representatives also laid wreaths.
The Ode of Remembrance was recited, this was followed by the Last Post, a minute’s silence, and the call of Reveille.
A Prayer of Remembrance was offered, followed directly by the Benediction.
The service concluded with the New Zealand National Anthem and the Australian National Anthem, sung by all present.
Organisers thanked everyone for attending the Dawn Service and reminded the community that marchers would form up at the front of the Mechanics Institute at 10:30 am, ready for the march to commence at 10:45 am, followed by the main ANZAC Commemoration Service.
The early-morning gathering at Newson Park provided a quiet, reflective start to Anzac Day in Harden, honouring the sacrifice of all who served and reinforcing the community’s commitment to “Lest we forget.”
Following the Dawn Service, the main ANZAC Commemoration Service was held at Newson Park, drawing a strong community gathering to honour Australia’s and New Zealand’s fallen service personnel.
The Order of Commemoration opened with a powerful Prologue that recalled the Gallipoli landing and the sacrifices of Australian and New Zealand forces in World War I, World War II, Korea, Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam and peacekeeping operations.
The Order of Commemoration opened with a powerful Prologue that recalled the Gallipoli landing and the sacrifices of Australian and New Zealand forces in World War I, World War II, Korea, Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam and peacekeeping operations.
The congregation sang the hymn The Recessional, followed by the Prayer of Thanksgiving, Prayer for the King, and Prayer of the Nation. They then joined in singing Lead Kindly Light.
A solemn Commemoration of the Fallen was offered, giving thanks for the brave who laid down their lives and asking for strength to follow their example of faithfulness and endurance.
Wreaths were laid from many members and organisations within the Harden community in honour of the fallen. The Ode of Remembrance was then recited:
“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old,
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them. Lest We Forget.”
The bugle sounded the Last Post, followed by one minute’s silence. The Rouse then rang out.
The service continued with the hymn Abide with Me, before concluding with the New Zealand National Anthem God Defend New Zealand and the Australian National Anthem Advance Australia Fair.
Tin O’Keeffe reflected on the services, “The day went really well. It was very pleasing with the amount of people in attendance. On long weekends, sometimes the numbers can be a bit low because of people going away to their own towns to march, but we made up for anything that was missing by all the school children that were there.”
“We had quite a good crowd for both the dawn service and the day service.
“The crowd for the dawn service has increased over the years. Every year it seems to get bigger and more younger people getting involved.
“It is about preserving heritage and be still a viable concern for many years to come.”
The dignified service reinforced the community’s enduring commitment to remembrance.
Lest we forget.
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