- ANZAC interest growing -
28.04.2003 12:19:06
Perhaps it was the perfect weather. Perhaps it was the fact that
Australian service men and women are currently on active duty.
But perhaps the real reason why so many people attended ANZAC Day ceremonies on Friday was because everyday Australians regardless of their own family backgrounds are coming to recognise the achievements and sacrifice of all of those who served in the past.
This was the theory shared by RSL president and vice president John Stanley and Jack Martin who led the organisation of the Port Lincoln ANZAC Day dawn service and the parade on Friday.
There were several hundred people at the dawn service and estimates of as many as 2000 for the march and service at 10am.
"There is a growing interest in our history and heritage," Mr Stanley said.
"ANZAC Day is very important and I believe it`s the part of our history where our traditions started."
As a past president of the RSL club Mr Martin during his speech at the War Memorial urged young people to join the armed services as a way of developing self discipline.
"That way they act cohesively and seamlessly in any action they may be in," he said.
The men said the RSL club was active all year round and not just during ANZAC Day.
The club`s bar and facilities are open to anyone and people of any age can become associate members as long as they have a relative who is a member of the club.
Cummins salutes services
The ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Cummins was held at the Garden of Remembrance at the Northern end of the town and commenced at 7am with over one hundred people in attendance last Friday.
Guard Commander Corporal Justin Miller, called the guard to order and marched them onto the lawns at the Garden of Remembrance to start the ANZAC Day dawn service ceremony.
Reverend Michael Duke, Uniting Church Minister lead the prayerful service and called on everyone to celebrate the true patriots of our country.
Reverend Michael Duke asked everyone to remember those who have died as a result of their service to their country during war and conflicts.
Brionny Modra played keyboard while the congregation sang.
President of the Cummins/Yeelanna Sub-Branch of the RSL, Geoff Holman laid the first wreath on behalf of the RSL, followed by Michael Doudle for Legacy, Jenny Goosens on behalf of the war widows, Chairman, Brian Treloar on behalf of the District Council of LEP and Russell Branson for the Country Fire Service.
Wilbur Klein on guitar played and sang "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda", before the crowd sang "Lead Kindly Light".
Geoff Holman recited the oath of allegiance between Reveille and The Last Post played on trumpet by Kate Vigar.
Returned Serviceman, Matthew Sheehan raised the flag before the National Anthem was sung, followed by the final blessing by Reverend Michael Duke.
The Guard commander, Corporal Justin Miller, then called the guard to order and marched them off parade.
President of the Cummins/Yeelanna Sub-Branch of the RSL, Geoff Holman thanked those who had participated in the ANZAC Day Dawn Service and invited everyone to the RSL clubrooms to partake in a light breakfast of tea and toast.
Many people gathered at the clubrooms to enjoy the camaraderie with fellow members of the RSL and their peers, while enjoying a cuppa laced with alcohol and piping hot slices of toast served with tomatoes, vegemite or jam and cream.
Several members of the RSL expressed their gratitude to the public that always supports the ANZAC Day Dawn Services in Cummins, because without that help the members would find it too difficult to continue on with the traditions.
More than 250 at Tumby dawn service
SUNRISE SILHOUETTE: The sunrise
silhouetted Seaman Kyl Preuss
at the Tumby Bay dawn service.
More than 250 people attended the Tumby Bay ANZAC Day dawn service on Friday.
Tumby Bay Returned Services League president Robin Butler said the turnout was "a few more" than last year.
"We`re pleased with the turnout," he said.
Mr Butler said as well as remembering past servicemen and women, it was a time to reflect on those currently serving overseas.
"I praise the Prime Minister on the way he`s handling the return of the troops from Iraq," he said.
Mr Butler said he believed the ANZAC Day tradition would continue to grow, because more young people were becoming involved in the ceremonies each year.
The dawn service feaured Port Lincoln Army Reserves Corporal Matthew Carr, Corporal Ben Southam, Private Mark Graetz, Cadet Nick Rendulic and Seaman Kyl Preuss holding their post around the war memorial.
The march to the RSL from the memorial was led by piper Ron Ross and drummer Gordon Hartley.
acknowledge:
by Port Lincoln Times
http://portlincoln.yourguide.com.au
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