By BARRY BLAIR
PRIDE in Australia came to the fore at both Anzac Day commemorative ceremonies at Uralla.
The national day of remembrance began with the Dawn Service at the Memorial Gates, Alma Park.
Well over 100 people braved the frosty morning under a clear sky.
For the first time in many years, a catafalque party of four attended the service as a symbolic form of respect for those who have fallen.
Officer Cadets (OCDTs) from the University of NSW Regiment (UNSWR) stood with heads bowed and arms (weapons) reversed, faced outward about one metre from the memorial gates.
Following the service, the crowd adjourned to nearby Uralla Bowling Club for a traditional rum and milk followed by a sit-down breakfast.
Later in the morning under a clear sunny sky, hundreds of onlookers lined the main street to watch the Anzac Day street march.
Taking part in the march were many ex-servicemen and women, local community groups, and schools, who proudly made their way to the Memorial Gates for the traditional Commemoration of Anzac Service.
Uralla RSL Sub-Branch president Jeffery Scott said two major events took place on this year’s Anzac Day.
“This year we see all Anzac Day services held at the War Memorial Gates, so that we may all sit and enjoy lunch together,” he said.
“Secondly, it is 50 years to the day the Uralla Memorial Hall in Salisbury Street opened.
“It took 10 years to build with voluntary labour.”
Each year in Uralla the local Anzac service concentrates on a separate member of the military.
“As such, it is appropriate a special wreath should be laid in their honour,” Mr Scott said.
“This year a special wreath is being laid for Bill Murray, the only Aboriginal to ever be a sub-branch member.”
Both commemoration services reminded young and old alike that Anzac Day is a time when Australians reflect on the many different meanings of war.
