Remembering our Anzacs
It is a time honoured tradition to remember those who fought so bravely in April, 1915 on the shores of Anzac Cove, Gallipoli. On 23rd April, 2017, St Augustine’s Church upheld this reverent tradition, offering a very meaningful Anzac Service for parishioners during Mass.
The service was opened by Irene Stokes, whom read for us a short but notable history on the Anzacs, followed by the laying of the wreathe (also made by Irene) by two of our adorable parishioners and students at St Joseph’s Primary School.
A particularly touching moment was the Ode, read by returned serviceman and ex-RAAF Sergeant Dennis Freeman. Dennis, a regular parishioner at St Augustines, joined the service at Wagga Wagga, NSW in April 1962, serving in Malaya and Vietnam during the years 1965 to 1967. Dennis was honourably discharged at 35 Squadron, Townsville, QLD, after years of service. We thank him greatly for his courageous efforts and personal sacrifice in serving many a nation during the Vietnam War.
The haunting Reveille, ‘The Last Post’ was played on the sound system by Kerry Martin, followed by a minute silence. The Anzac Service was concluded with a Prayer of Remembrance, read by Fr Gayan.
I speak for many of us when offering heartfelt gratitude to those before us whom laid down their lives in abandon to fight for the ‘lucky’ country we all are able to enjoy today. Australia is only ‘lucky’ because of the servicemen and women who fought to make it so. So many of us have family who served in war and thus no doubt have been told many a fearless story from the battlefield, passed down from generation to generation. Like Dennis, many also know these stories firsthand. War is engraved on our nation and on those who fought in them.
We offer our sincere condolences to those whom lost their lives or the lives of loved ones during these battles that were hard fought and won. Our sincere gratitude also to the servicemen and women whom continue to serve our country so bravely.
Lest We Forget.
[Blog by C.Pettit. Photos by S.Cullinane]