Valley residents quietly gathered for the 10am service on ANZAC Day, standing with the rest of the nation to honour the sacrifices made by servicemen, women and animals, who have valiantly served and continue to serve this country.
Our illustrious master of ceremonies, Lance Brown, introduced our solemn service this morning, inviting us all to pay our respect to our fallen heroes.
Captain Tony Aldred ceremoniously led the march along the main road of Kangaroo Valley with his immaculate catafalque party from HMAS Albatross.
Roger Chapman’s melodious bagpipe tunes filled the air. Veterans, servicemen and women, their families, school children all respectfully marched together to observe this important recognition of our nation’s history.
Lorina Gore, Kangaroo Valley’s own renowned opera singer, melodiously sang the ANZAC hymn “The Recessional”.
Prayers for the King and leaders were given by Reverend Andrew Heron of the Kangaroo Valley Anglican Church. This was followed by prayers for the nation written by Father Ronan of the Kangaroo Valley Catholic Church and delivered by Julie Mairinger.
Our guest speaker, Kangaroo Valley resident and retired high school principal, Andrew Fitzsimons, presented a touching commemorative address, reminding us all of the uncertain times we live in today and the sacrifices made by our defence forces. Mr Fitzsimon’s moving speech was interrupted by the much-anticipated thundering roars of historical military aircrafts. RAAF Neptune Maritime Patrol aircraft along with a jet training aircraft flew over Kangaroo Valley skies and were received with much amazement.
Kangaroo Valley’s retired Rear Admiral Simon Harrington AM RAN, delivered a touching prayer as a commemoration of those fallen at war.
The Kangaroo Valley commemorative wreath was laid by our respected local resident Derek Lucas, followed by wreath-laying of other significant organisations and visitors.
Kangaroo Valley Public School students played an important role in the ceremony. Service programmes were handed out to all by Lily McCabe, Milton Champion, Adelie Maclean, Mia Adamopoulos and Estelle Frenay.
Flag bearers Daisy Little, Jameson Cremer and Levi Paddick mounted the Australian, New Zealand and Union Jack flags at the grounds of the cenotaph.
The “Ode” was presented by Samson Hole and the poem “Sir” was recited by Madelin Cremer and Elsie Moffat.
The prestigious James Bray Memorial Award, given to a Year 6 student for achievement with honesty, showmanship and kindness to others, was proudly presented to Madelin Cremer.
Artwork of winners of the ANZAC Day art competition can be seen displayed on the fence opposite the cenotaph, at the Kangaroo Valley post office and various shops in the village.
The entire school then melodiously sang “Lest We Forget” and “In Flanders Fields”.
The ceremony was again graced with the voices of our local singers. Lorina Gore sang the Royal Anthem “God Save the King” and our National Anthem “Advance Australia Fair”, along with Paul Smith soulfully presenting us with his beautiful singing of the New Zealand National Anthem.
The service ended with the solemn sounds of the bugle playing “The Last Post” by Deven Rahman.
A big thank you and congratulations to Joan, as Chairman of the KV ANZAC Committee and to her entire team of tireless crew, who, year after year have made our ANZAC Day commemoration a success!
Since 1999, Joan Bray has been the backbone of our community in making sure that our ANZAC Day commemoration is held respectfully and auspiciously, in remembering our fallen heroes. Back then, these services were run by Joan and her late husband James AT Bray JP. James was a serving member of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in World War II. Together this was organised and run with friends of the Bray’s, Barbara and Gordon Douglass.
“They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. We will remember them.”
Lest we forget.
