Remembrance, honour, and reflection

STURT Street filled with residents on Monday for the Anzac Day march and service, honouring the sacrifices made by Australia and New Zealand’s fallen defence force personnel.

Veterans, their families, community groups and bands marched around the Ballarat Cenotaph before attendees gathered around the memorial for a ceremony led by Ballarat RSL’s John Scannell.

“The 25th of April marks the anniversary of the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps at Gallipoli in Turkey,” he said.

“On this day we recall those who in the great tragedy of war, gave their lives for Australia, and the freedom of mankind. They were the men and women who were willing to believe in something greater than themselves.

“It was their willingness to act as such… that gives them heroic status in our society today. We are thankful for those first Anzacs whose actions established the traditions we as a nation hold so dear today.”

Mr Scannell also paid tribute to those who represented the country in theatres of conflict in World War Two, Korea, Borneo, Vietnam, East Timor, Afghanistan, Iraq, United Nations campaigns, and peacekeeping missions.

City of Ballarat mayor Cr Daniel Moloney said the significance of Anzac Day, and recognising what the nation’s servicepeople have experienced, has “never been more relevant.”

“This Anzac Day is perhaps a day of deeper reflection than many previous and brings home the reason we’re here today, to reflect, remember and honour those who gave up so much,” he said.

“We must remember those men and women, let them know their bravery and actions will never be forgotten, and they will never be alone as we share their stories to present and future generations.

“Whilst we remember our nation’s own pain and anguish, our hearts go out to the people of Ukraine, and we hope and pray for a speedy end to the conflict affecting that nation.”

Captain Paul Scott of the Royal Australian Navy was guest speaker, and paid tribute to 100-year-old Ballarat resident Bill Cook, a World War Two veteran who was present at Monday’s commemoration.

Loreto College captain Jaime Sergeant-Crowe read the poem 50 Years Later by Great War nurse Christine Erica Strom, before local, State, and Federal politicians, schools, veterans, and community groups laid floral tributes at the Cenotaph.

The Last Post was played by bugler Craig Farrington, and young musician Angus Le Marshall played the bagpipes.