Our illustrious master of ceremonies, Lance Brown, introduced our solemn service this morning, inviting us all to pay our respects to our fallen heroes.
Captain Tony Aldred CSC, RAN 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, despite being occasionally drowned by the thundering roars of military aircraft flying above Kangaroo Valley’s foggy skies. Veterans, servicemen and women, their families and 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.
Rear Admiral David Mann AM, RAN delivered the commemoration address, a touching oration on the theme of ANZAC.
Kangaroo Valley’s own Captain Tony Aldred, 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.
An important guest of ceremony today, Uncle Gerry Moore OAM, gave an acknowledgement and a moving account of our first nation’s military service. Uncle Gerry is a senior Yuin Elder with links to the Jerrinja, Wodi Wodi, Dharawal and Wandi Wandandian Peoples of the NSW South Coast. His touching speech commemorates indigenous Australians’ sacrifices as part of the ANZAC legend.
Flag bearers Izzi Quirk, Lily McCabe and Milton Champion from Kangaroo Valley Public School proudly mounted the Australian, New Zealand and Union Jack flags at the grounds of the cenotaph.
The “Ode” was presented by Jameson Cremer and the poem “Sir” was recited by Abigail Levy.
Lorina Gore, then ceremoniously graced the commemoration with 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 prestigious James Bray Memorial Award, was handed by Martin Bray, to a deserving Year 6 student for achievement with honesty, showmanship and kindness to others. This year, the award was proudly presented to Milton Champion.
After the James Bray Award was presented, Captain Aldred took a moment to graciously acknowledge Joan Bray, Chairman of the KV ANZAC Committee who, year after year have made our ANZAC Day commemoration a success!
Since 1999, Joan 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. Previously, 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.
Artwork of the ANZAC Day art competition can be seen displayed at the Kangaroo Valley post office and various shops in the village.
The entire school then beautifully sang “Lest We Forget” and “In Flanders Fields”.
The service ended with the solemn sounds of the bugle.
As always, the Kangaroo Valley Lions Club was ready with sizzling hot sausage sandwiches and refreshments to satiate our hunger pangs as the ceremony came to an end.
“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.
Intan Kallus
UNCLE GERRY MOORE ON INDIGENOUS SERVICE
“Young Indigenous men signed up for and fought in all theatres of war, and this includes when we were not even recognised as Australian citizens. In fact, many of our young Indigenous men were rejected from joining the Armed Services.”
“But this didn’t deter them because they decided to join up, by saying they were Maori, Pacific Islanders, some said Indian, some said Jewish, and some said Portuguese descendant. They must have been funny looking lads, I reckon.”
“The one thing about the Anzac legacy and this country’s continued commemoration of Anzac is that it proves that as a nation, we can be mature enough to acknowledge the painful, the dark, the negative things in our past, as well as all of the good things. We can hold both dark and light simultaneously.”
“About one third were killed in action or died of wounds or diseases. And I guess that shows real courage”
