THE hushed, pre-dawn stillness at Cleveland’s Anzac Day Dawn Service was broken by the beat of a single drum.
With the signal given to step forth, the ranks began the march from Redlands RSL along Passage Street to the memorial in Anzac Centenary Park, where members of the Redlands RSL reenactment group formed the catafalque party.
Applauded along the way, some marched for mates fallen in war and some for their late parents or grandparents but they all, like the more than 10,000 strong crowd, were there for one reason – to remember war time sacrifices made by Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women.
This year, the service was led by Redlands RSL secretary Michael McDonnell. The prayer and benedict were given by Monsignor John Butler and the address was delivered by Redlands RSL president Alan Harcourt.
In his address, Mr Harcourt said Anzac Day was not only to remember the battles of long ago, but to also remember the Anzacs’ legacy: “The Anzac spirit, mateship, our dry humour, the will to achieve and the love of our country”.
“This spirit lives within us all,” Mr Harcourt said.
“We remember, to honour and pay tribute to all those who have fallen for Australia in all the wars, conflicts and peacekeeping duties all over the world in some of the worst conditions imaginable – some never to have been found.”
As the sun rose over the bay, the wreath-laying ceremony began, with school students and community members laying wreaths alongside those placed by defence force personnel and government representatives.
During the service, the Australian national anthem was sung by Anita Taylor and the New Zealand national anthem was sung by Kim Hebblewhite.
The Last Post and Reveille were played by Josh Sinclair; and pipe major Tom Spiranac, from Redlands Sporting Club Pipe Band, played the Piper’s Lament.
More photos at www.redlandcitybulletin.com.au
