A large crowd packed Gulgong’s Anzac Park at 11am yesterday for the Commemoration of Anzac Day.
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Gulgong RSL Sub-Branch President David Henderson said it was a day to “remember the sacrifice of such men for an ideal, for a way of life”.
“We are assembled here to commemorate that immortal day when the young men of Australia by their deeds and sacrifice demonstrated to the world at Gallipoli that Australia was truly a nation,” he said.
“The sons and daughters of Anzacs came forward without question, accepting gladly, and discharged fully their responsibilities during World War II, Korea, Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam and other conflicts.
“Let us take strength in the knowledge and hope that our sons and daughters will never forget the example set by their forefathers.”
Gulgong RSL Sub-Branch Vice-President Chris Gill presented the placing of the crosses by Gulgong’s school students.
“The crosses represent the members of the community who made the supreme sacrifice during conflict and as the result of conflict,” he said.
Mr Gill noted that it was not uncommon for the students to outnumber the crosses available. He said it was an encouraging sign for the future that youngsters were willing participants in the ceremony.
Special guest, Wing Commander Ron Logan of the Royal New Zealand Airforce, spoke about the relationship between Australia and New Zealand and the events that “shaped the Anzac spirit”.
“They showed such tremendous courage, stood by their mates and were willing to fight for their country and what they believed in,” he said.
“Those first Anzacs showed incredible determination and bravery: This is our day to recognise their courage and commitment.”
Mr Henderson concluded the ceremony by saying; “We’re not here to glorify war and we hope that none of the kids here today will ever have to go”.
See Monday’s Mudgee Guardian and The Weekly on Wednesday for more on local Anzac Day services.
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