Large turnout gathers for annual Waurn Ponds service

MORE than 200 residents, dignitaries and visitors gathered at Waurn Ponds War Memorial Reserve last Sunday to pay their respects and remember local servicemen and servicewomen that made the ultimate sacrifice in times of war.

Memorial committee member Jeff Harriott said the annual July service received a tremendous turnout.

“From my point of view, I’m always a little bit stressed about the running of the service until the service is done, but once I saw the weather was going to hold up, I knew it was going to be a good day,” Mr Harriott said.

The service was run by master of ceremonies Captain (ACC) Mark Lee with music provided by the Geelong Memorial Brass Band and Sing Australia Geelong Choir.

Sunday’s service was the 104th anniversary of the Reserve’s Avenue of Honour being planted in 1919.

This year’s guest speaker was Senior Naval Officer of Victoria commodore Greg Yorke.

The wreath-laying ceremony and reading of The Ode was conducted by Geelong RSL president Andrew Hanns.

“There are a lot of organisations working together to make the service run seamlessly and each year it’s great to see the community come as one,” Mr Harriott said.

“This service means so much to so many and we’re happy to host it each July.”

Attendees met at Waurn Ponds Hall for light refreshments following the service.