Moorabool remembers

LOCALS have turned out in huge numbers at ANZAC Day services this year, with some labelled “the best ever”.

Dawn Services and marches were held in Bacchus Marsh and Ballan, with Dawn Services also held in Myrniong and Blackwood, and a commemoration held in Coimadai.

More than 5,000 people are estimated have attended the events across the five towns.

In Bacchus Marsh, the Dawn Service began with a Welcome to Country, a catafalque, a singing of ‘God Save The King’, opening blessings and the Lord’s Prayer delivered by Andrew Gifford, and a poem read out by Bacchus Marsh College school captain Abby Palmer.

The poem, which has an unknown title and author, delivered a poignant reminder of what the ultimate sacrifice made by more than 100,000 Australians, and the many who returned home with lasting physical and mental scars, has protected back home.

“It’s the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the press. It’s the soldier, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech,” Ms Palmer read.

“It’s the soldier, not the politicians, that ensures our right to life, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness.

“It’s the soldier, who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag.

“Let their deaths be not in vain, for countries a lesson to war not again.”

More than 4,000 people attended Bacchus Marsh’s Dawn Service, but as the bugler played the Last Post, you could’ve heard a pin drop.

Bacchus Marsh RSL President Michael Baxter said it was important for local veterans to see the fantastic turnout that the region so often delivers.

“It’s been an amazing turnout as usual from Bacchus Marsh and the surrounding area. I would estimate there’d be well over four to five thousand people here,” he said.

“I think the catafalque party was a nice touch this year, it added a bit more sentiment to the day.

“I’ve had a few veterans come up to me and say this was the best service they’d seen. It means a lot to veterans, it gives them time to reflect and remember their fallen mates, and those that did come back but were wounded, some very badly.”

Over 150 people attended the Dawn Service in Ballan, with around 100 attending Blackwood’s Dawn Service, and around 70 at Myrniong’s.

Ballan RSL President Pippa Morris said it was crucial not just for local veterans, but the community as a whole, to connect on ANZAC Day each year.

“It’s important for communities to see the veterans and interact with them, not just in the services themselves but also in the social get-togethers at the RSL afterwards,” Ms Morris said.

“It’s important for the health of communities that veterans are remembered and also able to share their experiences with the community and give back the community.

“ANZAC Day isn’t just about veterans taking something from the community, it’s also about them giving back – it’s a two-way thing.”