- ANZAC Day spirit stronger than ever -
30.04.2003 19:52:45
From Blackheath to Glenbrook, large crowds turned out on Friday
to commemorate the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops
at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915.
The lonely bugle cry of the last post at dawn services across the Mountains signalled the start to a busy day for local returned servicemen, who - along with other residents of the Mountains - paid their respects to those who didn`t make it home from battle in the many wars of the past century that have been fought by Australian troops.
From the two world wars to Vietnam, Korea, Iraq, Afghanistan, Malaysia and East Timor, Australia has always answered the call for duty.
Paying tribute: RSL sub-branch director
Graham Braithwaite leads an ANZAC tribute
outside katoomba RSL
There were nearly 20 ANZAC day services and marches held across the Mountains, with each attended by large crowds.
As always, proud relatives of deceased troops marched alongside veterans who turned out to pay their respects to their mates who died in combat.
Hundreds of war veterans, emergency services personnel and school students marched down Katoomba and Lurline Streets to the memorial wall at Katoomba RSL Club on Merriwa Street.
RSL sub branch director Graham Braithwaite led a moving service outside the club, attended by Blue Mountains police chief Mick Howe, Mayor Jim Angel and Aunty Joan Cooper. The lighter side of the ANZAC tradition was relived shortly afterwards as RSL patrons tried their luck playing Two-up.
Speaking at the main Springwood service, the Salvation Army`s Keith Greenwood finished his address with these words:
"Honour is a gift that man gives to himself and I would pray that you might give yourselves the gift of honour today."
acknowledge:
by Blue Mountains Gazette
http://bluemountains.yourguide.com.au
>>> Click Here To See All Archives 2003 Headlines <<<
|
|
