Heathcote gathers to remember and reflect

Paying respect: Leader Laraine Leask, with Indie, laid a wreath from the Heathcote Brownie Guides. Photos: SANDRA JAMES

THE Heathcote community and RSL members gathered on Anzac Day to pay their respects, beginning with the Dawn Service at the Lone Pine Memorial on Camp Hill.

The service was followed by a traditional Gunfire Breakfast at the RSL Hall.

Veterans and family members marched along High Street led by piper Douglas Thomson following the commemoration service.

A Commemoration Service in the hall at 10am featured guest speakers, local school children, official guests and tributes in song.

The Wandering Minstrels were joined by the Heathcote Combined Schools Choir to sing I am Australian.

Heathcote RSL Sub-Branch president Miles Humphrey said he was very pleased with the attendance for all events throughout the day.

Charlie Miller admired the artwork by local school children.

“Anzac Day is an important day for all who served in the Great War, the Second World War and all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations,” he said.

“And there has never been a more important time to reflect and hope we never see the horrors of war again.”

Jeffrey Arthur sang And the band played Waltzing Matilda during the commemoration service.

Indie, of the Heathcote Brownie Guides, said she found it moving to remember all those who served. “It is good to acknowledge what they did for us and to take a moment to appreciate it,” she said.