By Jenel Hunt
Hands turning cold in the chilly weather at 5.30am. Beacons of light pushing out the darkness so people could see where the names of the fallen have been inscribed. Flags at half mast. The laying of wreaths.
This was the scene at dawn services around the region of the Southern Downs – Allora, Junabee, Leyburn, Stanthorpe, Wallangarra and Warwick.
At Stanthorpe more than 500 people – probably the biggest crowd ever – were gathered at Weeroona Park when the blast of a cannon started the service. The sound created a cessation in the noisy monotone of rosellas and corellas roosting in nearby trees. Some flying foxes took to the sky and disappeared. The bird chatter quickly built up again and provided an underlying continuo for the rest of the service. Members of the TS Kookaburra Naval Cadets formed the catafalque party. Towards the end of the service, one of the cadets went white and walked away unsteadily. A replacement slipped in smoothly.
Warwick Police Inpsector David Preston was in attendance. Roger Willis was asked to read a special message from France as people were reminded that 105 years ago, Australians saved the French city of Amiens.
Special guest and speaker at the service was Lieutenant Colonel Lachlan Searle. Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi also spoke about the influence of the ANZACs.
“Today, all Australians will feel some connection with the ANZACs and the battles they fought. The ANZACs demonstrated duty, courage, teamwork, resolution, self sacrifice. And mateship, trust, initiative, resourcefulness and a wry humour. Today we enjoy the freedom they so richly deserved. We reflect on their courage – not just the ANZACs but all those who have served. We should never forget them. We should never, ever forget them.”
The Stanthorpe parade was the biggest ever seen, with a pipe band, returned servicemen, brass band, two World War 2 army jeeps, huge blocks of schoolchildren and even children dressed in replica uniforms. It was estimated that at least 2000 people lined the main street to watch the march. The following service also also the biggeste ever seen in town.
RSL Stanthorpe Sub-Branch president Martin Corbett said he didn’t know why there had been such a sudden leap in numbers attending the march and services.
“We have been getting bigger audiences every year, but this year was quite amazing,” he said.
In other parts of the region, people marched in parades at Allora, Killarney, Leyburn, Wallangarra and Warwick. Services were also held at Allora, Killarney, Leyburn, Tannymorel, Wallangarra, Warwick, Yangan and a sunset event was held at the Pyramid at Ballandean on the Granite Belt. It might be 108 years since Anzac Day, but in many areas the day’s commemorations are attracting more and more people each year.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
Lest we forget.
