ANZAC Day services at Tea Gardens were a solemn and thoughtful affair, held at both dawn and 11am in capricious weather.
Those waking to attend the Dawn Service feared heavy rain would persist, but it abated by 5:30am, allowing the RSL sub-Branch and guest choir the Myall Melodians to set up before sunrise.
As historic audio of the Gallipoli campaign was played, members of the Jimmys Beach Aquatic Club rowed into the sandy shores of Anzac Park in a symbolic re-enactment of the first landing, 110 years ago.
More than 600 people attended and heard the messages of RSL sub-Branch Treasurer Terry Munright and Reverend Richard Goscombe.
“We gather with deep respect and gratitude to honour the brave men and women who have served our nation with unwavering courage and commitment,” Mr Munright said.
“Despite overwhelming odds [at Gallipoli], they fought with extraordinary bravery and determination.
“Their actions on that day, and throughout the campaign, forged a legacy that continues to inspire us.”
“We remember not only those who fought at Gallipoli, but all Australians and New Zealanders who have served in conflicts and peacekeeping missions across the world – WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan.
“As we stand here, let us take a moment to reflect on the values for which they fought and died, let us remember the families who have endured the pain of loss and the communities that have been forever changed by the sacrifices of their loved ones.
“We are the beneficiaries of their legacy, one built upon the principles of freedom, democracy, and the pursuit of peace.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that these values are upheld and passed on to future generations.”
Reverend Goscombe offered words and prayers on the value of human life, and gratitude for those fallen.
“There is nothing that any of us can do that can earn the value of even a single human life,” he said.
“There is only one thing we owe, one debt, which is gratitude.
“For what we receive from those who give their lives that we might live, is a gift that can be valued, cherished, honoured and respected, but never repaid.”
The mid-morning Commemorative Service was preceded by the flyover of an RAAF jet fighter at 10.20am, then the traditional march down Marine Drive to the memorial, where over 1000 onlookers had gathered.
In lieu of an official Catafalque Party, a composite group of armed forces representatives, in full uniform, volunteered to stand guard at the memorial for the wreath laying, and as the final Reveille and the national anthems of New Zealand and Australia were played.
After the Dawn Service, Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers cooked the traditional bacon and egg breakfast at the Tea Gardens Country Club while the Ladies Bowling Club hosted a burger lunch for gold coin donations to Legacy.
Lest We Forget.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
