“As we gather here today to commemorate ANZAC Day, we pay homage to the indomitable spirit of all those who have served our nation with courage and sacrifice.”
Those were the words of Bairnsdale RSL Sub-Branch president, Allan Pappin, CVO AM.
Despite the chilly and cloudy conditions, generous crowds turned out to both the dawn and 11am services, packing along Main Street to watch veterans, members of the Air Force, police and local schools march.
Mr Pappin gave the opening address, thanking those who are currently serving.
“In the presence of serving members of the Australian Defence Force, we honour their commitment to protecting our freedom and upholding the values for which our ANZAC forebears fought so valiantly,” he said.
“Among them are those embarking on the noble journey of service to our country, just starting their careers in the Air Force.
“To these fine young men and women, we extend our deepest respect and admiration.
“You carry forward the legacy of the ANZACs, embodying their spirit of mateship, resilience, and selflessness in the face of adversity.”
St Mary’s Primary School captains, Evie Filtness and Ellery Campbell, delivered the ANZAC Requiem.
“On this day above all days, we recall those who served in war and who did not return to receive the grateful thanks of the nation,” the students read.
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“May these all rest proudly in the knowledge of their achievement and may we and our successors in that heritage prove worthy of their sacrifice.”
Vice captain at Bairnsdale Secondary College, Taj Corben, recited In Flanders Fields written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, before Wing Commander Samantha Couper was welcomed to the lectern to give the ANZAC Day address.
“Today we pay tribute to the ANZACs – the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, who in 1915, came together and trained in Egypt for their battles ahead,” WC Couper said.
“Their story – the ANZAC legend – comes from how gallantly they fought shoulder to shoulder for their nations – for each other – in Gallipoli and across the Western Front in Belgium and France.
“In Bairnsdale alone, 242 local residents died during their service in the first World War. Today as a community, we pay tribute to the families who bore the weight of their loss.
“We honour the bravery of those who faced unimaginable challenges on the battlefield, and we salute the resilience and determination that carried them through.
“ANZAC Day is a solemn reminder of the cost of conflict, and the importance of unity and mateship in the face of adversity.
