Ron Page with Warrant Officer Syd Walsh at the Dawn Service at Newson Park around 6:30am this morning.

Over 100 people turned out to Newson Park at 6:00am this morning to commemorate Anzac Day in the town towns.

Tim O’Keeffe conducted proceedings and was ably assisted by wife Ting, and Nic Nadycz.

Tim led the crowd through the hymn ‘Abide With Me’ before handing over to Father Pat Kenna, who told a story of a Victorian Cross recipient from Queensland.

Father pat then led the crowd through the 23rd Psalm.

“The lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want

He taketh me to lie down in green pastures;

He leadeth me beside still waters; He restoreth my soul;

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name sake.

Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil; for though art with me;

Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me;

Thou prepares a table before in the presence of mine enemies;

Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of the my life;

And I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever.

 

The ode of Remembrance was then read out by Tim.

“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.”

Councillor Matthew Stadtmiller recounted a story from Villers Bretonneux before the Last Post rang out, performed by Hayden Dalton, followed by the Reveille.

The prayer of Remembrance followed directly by the Benediction.

Barb Sargent read two very moving and emotional poems to the crowd, before both the New Zealand and Australian National Anthems were played.

Mr O’Keeffe then reminded those present to attend the Morning Service with those marching advised to assemble in front of the Mechanic’s Institute at 10:30am. They will then march to Newson Park for the 10:45am Service.

A number of other services will occur during the day, including, Murrumburrah and Jugiong whilst Wombat and Galong also held Morning Services.

PHOTO GALLERIES WILL BE AVAILABLE TODAY FROM HARDEN, MURRUMBURRAH AND JUGIONG Anzac Day Services.