Saturday, April 25 - Dawn Service in Cowra. Hundreds gathered at the Brisbane St cenotaph to mark 100 years since the storming of Gallipoli in WWI.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It was an emotional service on a crisp Autumn morning to start Anzac Day events in Cowra.
Veterans arrived amid smoke and mist, as the morning light broke over the ceremony.
To come - the mid-morning parade:
Parade formation: 1020hrs (10.20am). At the cenotaph, participants under the command of parade marshal Bob Dooley are to form up in the pre-determined order of march. Please respect the marshal's requests to "shunt" your contingent if required.
Alamein Company of the Royal Military College Duntroon under the command of Captain Christopher Isles is once again our guard of honour.
Two taxis will also be provided free of charge by Lachlan Radio Cabs and the Cowra RSL sub-branch to convey veterans in the march.
Please speak to the driver if you require this assistance.
The flag party consisting of flags, banners and pennants respective of those marching will be provided by Cowra's 2nd Platoon Cowra Cadet Unit South West Slopes.
The wreath laying service will commence when the parade is assembled and when concluded, the march to River Park will take place.
The March: Marching to a designated point to conduct a commemorative service is traditional and symbolic. it originally provided soldiers with the opportunity to march away from the battlefield to a quiet place where they could commemorate the loss of their comrades. Today the march is symbolic but its meaning is not lost to those who returned.
River Park Service: 1100hrs (11am) Officiating at the service will be Captain Mark Williamson, the Cowra RSL sub-branch chaplain. Guest speakers will be two staff cadets from Alamein Company.
Gay Hilton will provide the vocal lead for the singing of hymns and the school captains from St Raphael's and Cowra High will participate by reading from the order of service.
In case of rain: The River Park service will be conducted in the auditorium of the Cowra Services Club at 11am.
Railway Memorial: 1230hrs (12.30pm) a wreath laying service will be conducted at the Railway Memorial corner of Brougham and Campbell Streets.
Please note: The Cowra RSL sub-branch will not be providing a luncheon however meals can be purchased from the Cowra Services Club bistro.
Participants in the parade are requested to wear full-size medals and decorations. Miniatures should not be worn.
Relatives of veterans banner: Children and relatives representing deceased veterans are invited to march wearing the veteran's medals on their right breast and are requested to fall in under the "relatives of veterans banner" at the rear of the main contingent.
Members of the public are invited to attend all commemorative events during the day and to display the Australian national flag and hand wavers during the ceremonies and march.