Two services were held in Walcha today to remember those who fought at Gallipoli in 1915 and recognise all those who have served in the Australian Defence Forces.
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Close to 300 people attended the dawn service where Elizabeth Gill, vice president of the Walcha RSL sub-branch, read a moving letter from her mother-in-law’s uncle who fought at Gallipoli.
The march to Walcha Memorial Park for the 11 am service was led by Piper Mitch Crawford and representatives of the 12th/16th Hunter River Lancers.
Mrs Gill said it was both an honour and a pleasure to welcome the assembled crowd.
“We are gathered here to commemorate that day when the young men of Australia, by their deeds and sacrifice at Gallipoli, demonstrated to the world that Australia was truly a nation,” she said.
“The Anzac spirit forged at Gallipoli will never be forgotten. That is why Australians come together every Anzac Day. We do it to remember the Anzacs and their achievements, and we should remember them not as old soldiers from a distance war but as the young Australians they were in 1915. Let us mourn with pride but let us also remember with equal pride those who serve but still live.”
Mrs Gill’s welcoming address was followed by the prayer of thanksgiving offered by Elijah Fortescue from Walcha Central School, the prayer for the Queen offered by Phoebe Imberger from St Patrick’s Primary and the prayer for the nation offered by Molly Williams from Woolbrook Public School.
As a proud ex-Navy woman the guest speaker Mrs Sandra Lambkin, president of the New England District Council of RSL, then spoke about the role the Royal Australian Navy played in the Gallipoli campaign and its place in the Anzac legend.
Following the service, Mrs Gill said it was wonderful to have the schools involvement in the March and the 11 am service.
"Each school’s representative read their prayers beautifully. They did the schools proud," she said.
"I was very happy with the way both services were attended by the community, and it was a great occasion to be at."