This year’s Anzac Day will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
On April 25, the Walcha Returned Services League (RSL) will host an Anzac Day march and two services.
The dawn service, at 6.30am, will be held at the monument on the corner of Hill and Derby streets.
“We are expecting a large attendance at both services for the 100 year’s remembrance,” Walcha RSL branch spokesman Eric O’Keefe said.
“After the dawn service the Ex Services club will host a breakfast for a gold coin donation and everyone is welcome.”
This year bagpiper Michael Crawford will help the marchers keep in step at the main service.
“We will also have the Hunter river Lances leading the march and forming a catafalque party,” Mr O’Keefe said.
“David Salter will do a double flyover the monument in his Harvard aircraft and Sing Australia will help with the ceremonial singing and perform at the conclusion of the service.”
Guest speaker Nerida Hoy will talk about some of the stories unearthed during the research for the book Walcha in the Great War 1914-1919.
Those who want to be in the march are asked to be at the South and Hill Street intersection no later than 10.30am.
The march off will be at 10.35am and the service at the monument will be at 11am. After the service, the marchers will proceed down Derby Street and turn into Fitzroy street and march to McHattan Park for dismissal.
“Those who can’t march but would like to be in the parade can get into one of the golf buggies driven by the generous golfers,” Mr O’Keefe said.
“If you need one, contact me on 6777 2430 so we have the right number present.”
After lunch at the Ex Services Club, the new memorial fundraising raffle trailer garden winner will be drawn.
Australia Post has released commemorative stamps to mark the 100th anniversary.
Australia’s first Victoria Cross recipient of World War I, Lance Corporal Albert Jacka VC, will be honoured this Anzac Day.
The Gallipoli centenary issue of five stamps pays tribute to Albert Jacka VC, alongside four key phases of the Gallipoli campaign: the landing; the Turkish counter attack; the British offensive; and the withdrawal.