“It was on this day, 110 years ago, that Australian and New Zealand troops came ashore on the beaches of Gallipoli. In the chaos and adversity of that moment, a legend was born, not of conquest, but of character.”
Those were the words of Bairnsdale RSL Sub-Branch president, Allan Pappin, CVO AM at the 11am ANZAC Day service at the Bairnsdale Cenotaph last Friday.
More than 4000 people turned out in the warm and sunny conditions for the mid morning service, flocking to Main Street to watch veterans, local schools, community groups and members of the Air Force march by and see four PC21 RAAF aircraft fly overhead.
Mr Pappin gave the opening address, thanking those who have served and continue to serve today.
“To our veterans here today, we
thank you with deep humility,” Mr Pappin said.
“You carried the ANZAC legacy through the many conflicts and peacekeeping missions that followed.
“You wore the uniform with pride and honour, and you lived the values that continue to define us as Australians.
“To the fine young men and women of the Royal Australian Air Force with us this morning, most of you are just embarking on the noble journey of service to our country: You are the current custodians of that legacy of resilience and selflessness in the face of adversity.”
School captains at St Mary’s Primary School, Stella Kuick and Noah Gardam, read The Fallen, a poem that was published in The London Times newspaper about the outbreak of WWI.
Prayers were led by Stuart Asquith, before a poem written by Joshua Dyer titled A Thousand Men are Walking for Remembrance Day in 2019 was read by Bairnsdale Secondary College student, Java Tunnage.
The dawn service also drew a generous crowd to an intimate service.
President of the Bairnsdale Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Trevor Hancock spoke about the significance of the day.
“ANZAC Day, in particular, is a time to remember and be inspired by fellow Australians who did extraordinary things in extraordinary times,” Mr Hancock said.
“Above all, I believe, Australians want leaders; statesmen and women. ANZAC Day exposes this need by reminding us of what leaders and selflessness look like.”
More photos on pages 12 and 13.
