ANZAC Day, April 25th, is the national day of remembrance for all military services in Australia and New Zealand, commemorating those who fought in the First World war, particularly the Gallipoli Campaign.
On this day we also remember all Australians who have served, and continue to serve our nation, in war, conflict and peacekeeping operations. Today we speak of an ‘Anzac tradition’, meaning the ideals of courage, endurance and mateship that are still relevant to this day.
This ANZAC Day we are commemorating the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign and recognising the service of Aboriginal and Torres Islander people during the Second World War. Also being commemorated are the 75th anniversary of Australian service in the Korean war and the 75th anniversary of Australian service in the Malayan Emergency.
The Cowra RSL sub-Branch is finalising plans for this year’s commemorative services, which consist of a Dawn Service at 6.00am. The Morning service and Wreath Laying will at 10.20am. Those ex-servicemen and servicemen who wish to participate in the dawn service are asked to form up in Bartlett Street at 5.50am for the service to begin at 6.00am. For the wreath laying ceremony, and those wishing to participate in the march should form up in Brisbane St at 10.00am. There will be marshals to direct groups to their places. At the conclusion of the march a Commemorative Service will be held at River Park.
The Cowra RSL sub-Branch also attends the local nursing homes to conduct commemoration ceremonies for the residents and staff. This year these will be held on Thursday 24th April at 10.30am at Weeroona and 2.00pm at Bilyara. This is also Kapyong Day. This battle was fought during the Korean War on 22-25th April 1951 between United Nations Command and the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army. 59 Australians were wounded and 32 were killed. In contrast, Chinese casualties were estimated at about 2000.
For any further information the sub-Branch can be contacted by email at cowrasb@rslnsw.org.au
