|
We shall remember them ... |
|
Written by Administrator
|
|
Wednesday, 04 May 2005 |
A respectful silence fell over Maleny on Anzac Day, as an impressive
gathering of veterans, the Fifth Light Horse Troop and community group
representatives lined up for the start of the 2005 memorial parade.
The silence was shattered at 10.30am by the awesome sound of the two TF30 engines of an F111, scrambled from the Sixth Squadron at Amberley. The fighter thundered past not far overhead in a low-level display to signal the start of proceedings. Later in another aeronautical display, the members of Tigair flew overhead in vintage aircraft including two Tiger Moths, a Chipmunk and an Auster. On the ground the members of the Blackall Range Horseless Carriage Club were at hand to help transport less mobile veterans.
The proceedings honoured the Australian and New Zealand armed forces which landed on the beaches of Gallipoli, Turkey during World War One 90 years earlier, April 25. "It's all about recognising the efforts of so many generations of veterans and contributions made then and right the way up to the present day," said Gordon Jones, RSL Commemoration Officer, and organiser of Maleny's Anzac Day events. "This event always transcends military commemorations as the whole community gets involved on this special day."
John Stevenson, Maleny's Town Crier, led the procession past record crowds which lined the street and applauded as the veterans made their way down Maple Street on foot, and in vintage cars, to a memorial service at the RSL. Also present was a near-full complement of the Maleny Fifth Light Horse Troop, which with 22 members, is Australia's largest. Resplendent in full dress uniform, the troop helped add a nostalgic atmosphere to the day against a backdrop of shining medals swinging from proud chests.
More than 11,000 Australian and New Zealand troops, known as the Anzacs, were killed in the campaign by the Allies to open up a supply line to Russia.
"The whole day was really a big deal," said Gordon. "We must have had way in excess of 1000 people at the main service on the RSL grounds."
Gordon said that while the increased numbers at the Anzac event was heart warming, a by-product of this was that just to get the approvals from the relative authorities, including Council and Police, he has to submit 32 pages of applications every year. "I have to start in January to get the approvals which make this possible on time," he said. "It's ironic given that this is such a community event."
About 150 people stayed on at the RSL for a special lunch, before commencing the traditional Anzac Day game of two-up. And let me remind you that Anzac Day is the only time of the year that you won't get arrested for playing it for stakes!
Anzac Day ... "This event always transcends military commemorations as the whole community gets involved on this special day."
|
|
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 04 May 2005 )
|
Range News 2005 - ON 
