A record crowd at services across the district was feature of this year’s Anzac Day commemorations in Guyra. The day began with the traditional Dawn Service with attendance significantly up on previous years. While actual numbers are open to conjecture it was in excess of 150 and this increase was evident at services throughout the day. Well in excess of 500 people were on hand to see the traditional march that made its way along the main street under blue skies.
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Spokesman for the RSL Sub branch Warren McCowen said it was most pleasing to see people from all walks of life come along to commemorate a day that marked exactly 100 years since the landing at Gallipoli when the Anzac legend was born.
“The participation was terrific with probably the biggest crowd ever at the dawn service and fantastic support for services later in the morning,” he said.
The Anzac parade was well supported by schools and organisations who marched along with local veterans. Many proudly wore medals belonging to their grandfathers and great grandfathers and laid wreaths at the Soldiers Memorial Hall.
The parade was led by lone rider Wayne Mills in full Light Horse uniform and the Catafalque Party comprised Naval Cadets from T.S. Armidale.
Members of the Combined Churches Choir led the hymns, accompanied at the organ by Beverley Handebo and the Anzac Day Address was given by Mr Frank Bell from Dumaresq.
On behalf of the RSL sub branch Mr McCowen has extended his thanks to the community for their overwhelming support on the day. Donations taken following the service will be put towards the welfare of members and repairs to the War Memorial Hall.
Services were also held at the Guyra MPS, Wandsworth and Ben Lomond.