- Big crowds turn out for ANZAC Day march -
30.04.2003 19:45:03
The largest crowds seen for many years turned out in force to take part in this year`s ANZAC Day Ceremonies. Not only in Grenfell but across the whole Nation the number of people attending the ceremonies was far in excess of previous years.
The Ceremonies commenced with the Dawn Service at the Cenotaph in Grenfell. Even here the crowd was far and away the biggest for a long time.
The Service was attended by a complete cross section of the town and the Dawn Service never fails to strike a very emotional note and this year was no exception especially when everyone turned west for the Last Post as the sun slowly started to rise in the east.
Local Lighthorsemen Tiger Hunter
and Geoff Grattan give an
authentic display
The traditional ANZAC Day breakfast after the service was held at the Exchange Hotel this year.
The Pilgrimage to the Cemetery was also conducted at 7.30am with over 30 people attending to lay rosemary on Servicemen`s graves.
The traditional ANZAC Day March (Headed by the Town Band) later in the morning had just about every person in town either participating in the March or standing on the sidelines cheering the marchers.
The March began outside the Exchange Hotel this year in a slight change of routine.
The town`s Schoolchildren, Scouts, Guides and other service organisations along with all the ex service men and women formed up quite an impressive parade.
The town`s Cadets also formed a well turned-out Honour Guard (the Cadets also performed this function at the Dawn Service), especially as this was their first year as Cadets.
The crowd then proceeded to the Cenotaph in Memorial Park to participate in the Service conducted by the Reverend Paul Harris.
The service this year was a little more emotional for most participants due to the world situation and the fact that this year we have troops overseas in "Harm`s Way”, thus adding a very immediate relevance and dimension to the day`s proceedings.
The Town Band then led the marchers back down Main Street after the service.
The marchers and crowd then dispersed with a large number of them heading to the Bowling Club for the traditional ANZAC Day Dinner.
The rest of the Day was given over to a few drinks, a bit of two-up and some contemplation and most of all, good company.
acknowledge:
by Grenfell Record
http://grenfell.yourguide.com.au
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