George Flannery, 2nd class staff cadet, one of two special guest speakers.
Each year they grow older and remind us of the passing of years.
But on an Autumn morning chilled by the early arrival of winter, Cowra’s war veterans shook off the effects of age and braved the cold for the 2012 Anzac Day march.
Hundreds lined Kendal St and clapped as by wheelchair, truck, or by foot, veterans marched from the service at the Cowra cenotaph to the main ceremony at River Park.
Joining them in the march were representatives from each of Cowra’s schools, plus the Salvation Army Corps, Scouts and service personnel descendants.
For many, it was a chance to honour the service of a loved one and impart the Anzac Day message to the next generation.
Two year old twins Oscar and Leuwin McGill waved to their uncle George Ridley, marching in honour of his father, who served with Australia’s Anzac partner, New Zealand.
The latest service men and women were also on parade, in the form of the parade’s Guard of Honour, Alamein Company, Royal military College, Duntroon.
For George Flannery (pictured), 2nd Class Staff cadet and one of two special guest speakers at the service, River Park was certainly not unfamiliar.
Speaking of the emphasis on teamwork in the army, he told the crowd the concept was first introduced to him on the fields behind him when he played with Cowra Junior Rugby league here.
The 24 year old grew up on a farm just outside of Cowra, and was well known to many in the crowd watching on.
The idea of teamwork resonated throughout his address.
“The army brings people together from all over Australia,” he said.
“No matter what your origin, it becomes your way of life.”
Other local Anzac Day services taking place were at Darbys Falls, Greenethorpe, Koorawatha, Woodstock and the Lachlan Valley Vintage Railway.