Under clear autumn skies beside the Murrumbidgee River, the small but proud township of Jugiong came together on Saturday afternoon to remember the sacrifice of Australia’s and New Zealand’s service men and women in a deeply moving ANZAC Day ceremony at Memorial Park, Riverside Drive.
With a large crowd in attendance, the ceremony featured traditional elements and strong local involvement.
Piper Daniel Corbett opened the event with Amazing Grace. Bugler Robin Winterflood from the 7th Light Horse Gundagai Troop later performed the Last Post.
Paula Butt welcomed the crowd and gave the closing words. She invited everyone to refreshments at the Jugiong Motor Inn afterwards.
Hilltops Councillor Alison Foreman delivered the Acknowledgement of Country. Jaclyn and Will Lenehan led the Opening Prayer, and Brian Allen gave the Anzac Reflection of the ‘Anzac on the Wall’.
Local school students played a big part. Jack Driscoll, from Jugiong Public School, read a powerful first-person diary entry from a young soldier heading to World War One in 1914. Maeve Ryan, from St Patrick’s Catholic School, Gundagai, performed her original poem Day to Remember.
Molly Moy from Gundagai Public School shared a touching story about remembering a fallen uncle through an old photo.
Sally Keatinge offered Thoughts of Remembrance and the Hon. Michael McCormack, Federal Member for Riverina and Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs, delivered the official address.
The crowd stood for the New Zealand and Australian national anthems. Wreaths were laid, and in the background the Anzac version of I am Australian was played.
Tim O’Keefe from the Harden Chapter, Cootamundra Sub RSL Branch recited the Ode to the Fallen. A minute’s silence was observed, followed by the Rouse. The flag was raised as the Honour Guard performed a volley salute.
The service closed with the community singing And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda.
MC Paula Butt said, “This was one of the largest crowds we have had, I’m very grateful to all who attended and participated. Great to have local Council representatives Cr Alison Foreman and Cr Matthew Stadtmiller and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack, the Light Horse Troop and Jennie and Michelle McDonald and Leigh Butt singing.”
The heartfelt event reminded everyone of the sacrifices made for freedom and the importance of remembering those who served.
Lest we forget.
The South West Slopes Times covers an area approximately the size of Fiji in country NSW. We look after a population of more than 50,000 people with our staff servicing 7 major towns and dozens of villages with our story telling footprint.
We offer weekly print editions at $3 a copy and we also offer digital subscriptions across 3 months $30, 6 months $60 and 12 months $120.
We are one of the last truly local independent family run newspaper businesses in the state.
Contact us today to find out how we can promote your business or organisation across our huge network by emailing ads@thetimes.net.au or by calling 0413 763 216.
If you have a news tip, lead or scoop for us please make contact as we love celebrating our communities. You can contribute articles via our South West Slopes Times website.
