Related content:
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The people of Wauchope turned out in force for a beautiful, moving Anzac Day dawn service.
The president of Wauchope RSL Sub-branch, Des Hancock gave a powerful opening address in honour of the men and women of Anzac.
“Led by the spirit of these immortal comrades, we seek the dawning of a better day, in which persons of goodwill shall choose for themselves and for others, ways of service that are friendly and devoid of fear or oppression,” he said.
The crowd sang the hymn Abide With Me and prayed thanks for the efforts being made by the nations of the world in seeking peace and happier relations with each other.
During the Anzac dedication, everyone who gathered at the Cenotaph in Wauchope thought of the comrades who went out to the battlefields of the first and second World Wars; conflicts in Korea, Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and in the many peacekeeping, peace-making and other operations.
Speakers included Wauchope High School Captain Georgia Malcolm who spoke of the terrible conditions endured by soldiers in World War One.
Wauchope High School Captain Zack Mason said the service was not about glorifying war, but to remember many who did what they believed was their duty as Australians.
Wauchope High School teacher Matt Taylor spoke movingly and emotionally of his hero and step-grandfather, Jack Wilson.
Jack had fought in World War Two in 1941 and he woke at dawn every day, sometimes screaming in terror.
“Jack had the same dream every night: he’d been in New Guinea fighting in the war and something bad had happened,” said Matt.
“Greater love hath no man than that he lay down his life for his friends,” said Matt, adding that he was proud to wear Jack’s medals.
After the Last Post, the Ode and Reveille, everyone sang the hymn Lead Kindly Light.
Major Mick Brownlow read the Epitaph, which includes the words:
“Here, at this sacred spot, we keep our tryst; we, the living, with those who march no more; for this brief hour, the veil is pushed aside, and they are with us as of yore.
“We see them as we knew them long ago – an immortal host, untouched by time’s decay, who bridge the span of years and transport us back into the realm of yesterday,”
Anzac Day is about respect for the old diggers.
- Tony Adkins, Vietnam veteran
The dawn service concluded with the singing of the national anthem, Advance Australia Fair.
Bugler Tom Horder was watched by his parents, John and Amanda, and his brothers, Nick and Alexander.
Nick was very impressed by the bravery of Anzac soldiers.
“They gave their lives for freedom and peace,” he said.
Tony Adkins served in Vietnam in the Navy and he and his wife, Julie brought their grandson, Banjo to the dawn service.
“Anzac Day is about respect for the old diggers,” said Tony.
For the main Anzac Day service in Wauchope, assemble at 10.15am, march from the RSL at 10.30am to the Cenotaph for a 11am service.
The Wauchope Gazette will be livestreaming the 11am service on our Facebook page and you can see full coverage on our website, www.wauchopegazette.com.au