- Thousands salute our Diggers -
26.04.2003 18:00:51
Thousands of Territorians commemorated ANZAC Day yesterday,
with many hearts and minds going out to friends and relatives
on active duty overseas.
More than 3000 people met at the Cenotaph on Darwin`s Esplanade yesterday for the traditional dawn service.
In darkness the crowd began gathering before the ceremony began following the 6am arrival of a large RSL contingent, ushered in by the sound of drums.
ANZAC Landing at Gallipoli 1915
As the darkness dissipated, guest speaker NT Administrator John Anictomatis said remembering the events of April 25, 1915, was Australia`s most important tradition.
"Today we think of those who fell for our nation," he said.
"Not only our ANZACs in Gallipoli but every brave man and woman who has served since for the freedom and security of Australia.
"Be thankful for what they gave us.
"It is our responsibility that this tradition, and the meaning of ANZAC Day is continued and that the freedom our soldiers died for is never lost."
Anglican NT Bishop Philip Freier reminded the crowd of those Australians still serving in the Middle East and East Timor.
"Much to our regret, world events maintain their turbulent momentum and deadly consequences," he said.
"The Darwin and Katherine communities have had the recent experience of our friends and neighbours among local service personnel, serving in areas of armed conflict.
"As the sun rises and goes down, we will remember them."
From 10am more than 1000 people cheered and applauded as veterans, their relatives and servicemen marched from the Esplanade, down Knuckey St to the RSL Club in Cavenagh St.
Ed Plenty, 72, of Howard Springs, near Darwin, took part in the march.
He was a pilot with the RAAF from 1951 to 1981 and served overseas in Malaya and Vietnam.
Over the years he has flown everything from Tiger Moths to a couple of stints in an F-111.
"It was an excellent dawn service," he said.
"There was a good turn-out for the march too.
"It is great to see grandparents marching alongside their grandchildren."
The crew of the visiting HMAS Newcastle, which took part in the march, was led by Tennant Creek Seaman Graham Wilson.
The march also included members of the 321 Combat Support Wing, which played a key role in bringing home survivors of the Bali bomb attack in October last year.
acknowledge:
by Northern Territory News
http://news.com.au
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