Anzac Day ceremonies across the district enjoyed large crowds this year, in the build-up to the 100 year anniversary to be held next year in 2015.

Dawn Services were held at Galong, Wombat and Harden and morning services at Binalong, Wallendbeen and Harden. An early afternoon service was held at Murrumburrah and a 3:30pm service at Jugiong.

The weather was perfect and crowds were up again from last year. The sun setting over the western hills at Jugiong was a timely reminder ‘that at the going down of the sun they will be remembered’.

The Harden Light Horse Troop were very busy over the day, starting their duties at the Wombat service at 5:30am before travelling to Harden then on to Murrumburrah before they teamed up with the Gundagai Light Horse Troop at Jugiong, for the unveiling of the WW1 and WW2 plaques. A crowd in excess of 350 people.

Both man and steed were weary by the end of the day and Congratulations must go to the following members of the Light Horse Troop: Peter Beal, Bob Head, Jessica Head, Billy-Jo Johnson, Geoff Copland, Brian Dunn, Barry McCormack, Kevin Maher, Wal Bradford and Jan and Dave Young.

The traditional Rum and Milk was served by Darren Sargent in the RSL rooms in the Mechanics Institute at 6 am. Several veterans and their partners attended as did a contingent of younger people willing to learn about the tradition.

Captain Scott Ritchie had the following to say at the Morning service in Newson Park. “it is our day, a day to remember with pride affection and humility, the courage of people and the value of friendship, to honour the dead and acknowledge those who suffer still from their wounds, to reflect on the selfless sacrifices that have been made to shape the identity of this proud nation and to remind us who we are and the freedom we posses.”

Reverend Don Jamieson spoke of the thinning of the ranks as the years pass further away from the end of WW2, however he highlighted that those left are held in the highest esteem. He spoke of the mourning of those who have passed away and cannot march anymore and reflected on the loss of his father as a P.O.W when working on the Burma Railroad.

He went on to speak about the horrors of the war and the inability of many servicemen to speak about their time. He commented on the number of school children attending and leading the march with the ‘flags of our nations’ and how it was so encouraging to see.

He said Anzac Day draws us to focus on sacrafice and the freedoms it has brought to the country.He hoped that the “children that marched today become part of a generation that continue to know freedom and are gifted with an era of peace and understanding governed by love and respect”.

Tim O’Keefe officiated at the Harden Ceremony and children from schools in the district read poems and prayers. Hayden Dalton played his trumpet throughout the day at ceremonies and at 14 years of age is an exceptional player who has made a committment over the last 4 years to play the last post at events in the Harden-Murrumburrah area.

JUGIONG

The 3.30pm ceremony at Jugiong attracted a large crowd for the unveiling of the plaques. Lorraine Brown was instrumental in the establishment of these plaques and must be commended on her sustained efforts over the last 18 months to bring them to fruition.

School children read each and every name on the plaques and the unveilling was done with a handshake between Leighton Butt and Alan Sharp.

Gundagai and Harden-Murrumburrah Light Horse Troops combined for the ceremony in an excellent example of discipline and respect.

Spectators ventured back to the Sir George Hotel for a bite to eat and a beverage supplied by the Jugiong Advancement Group.

Next year will mark the 100 year anniversary of the Anzac landing at Gallipoli and will no doubt prove to be even bigger than this years events in attendance and celebrations.

Lest We Forget.