Anzac Day services in Armidale this year had the biggest attendances anyone could remember, and the organisers and attendees are to be congratulated.
Darkness was already dispelled when the beat of a drum and the flashing lights on an escorting police car heralded the imminent arrival of marchers to Central Park for the Dawn Service. By 6 am everyone was in place for the short but moving ceremony with a congregation of hundreds (possibly more than a thousand), ranging from babies to the elderly, and a large number of university students.
There was also a very large attendance at Dangarsleigh, where Peter Elliott led the service from the southern side of the striking memorial. He thanked local volunteers for their generous care of the monument throughout the year, and read out the names of locals (including his mother) who had died during the previous 12 months. The non-denominational Christian service linked Easter and Anzac Day. Despite the bitterly cold breeze the TAS catafalque party which executed their various drills with great aplomb.
For the eighth year in succession Judy Grieve gave a speech in which she outlined the life and service of one of the 16 men whose names are listed on the monument. Her focus this year was on one of two brothers who served with great distinction in the Great War: Lieut Max Martyn (who had been awarded the Military Cross and Bar) died in May 1918. Kellys Plains School supporters served a lavish morning tea, while the young and old admired Gary Swanson, wearing the uniform of a Light-horseman and mounted on his horse.
Back in town a large congregation at the annual Anzac Day Mass at the Catholic cathedral heard Bishop Michael Kennedy preach an excellent homily.
Everyone says the march was the longest, with all the usual units plus great numbers of school students marching from Moore Street up Faulkner Street to Central Park, which was crowded. RSL Sub-branch President Bob Holloway presided. Those of us down the back could not see what was happening at the Fountain, but those who saw it said it was well executed and very moving. We clearly heard Thelma McCarthy lead a prayer, Mark Stevens read out the names of the many organisations whose delegates laid wreaths at the fountain, and Ian Twemlow conduct the Poppy Service passionately at the Fountain.
During the Two Minute Silence people of diverse faiths and denominations were united in honouring the fallen, while the 33rd Battalion’s bell in St Peter’s Cathedral tolled. Special praise is also due to the City Band; the buglers who beautifully sounded the last post and reveille (or “rouse’ as it is now called), and the bagpipers who rendered the soul-stirring laments; and the presence of so many ex-service men and women, and large numbers of other men and women in uniform, who added a special human dimension which was appreciated.
Numerous people mentioned how neatly the hedge around the fountain had been trimmed, and how pretty the park was, reflecting the hard work of the Armidale Dumaresq Council workers.
Manager, Bob Ryan, hosted dinner at the Ex-Services Club, where the focus was on remembering the Korean War. Later, great numbers played Two-up, while others went to the races.
So, thanks to everyone who made our annual Anzac Day so satisfying. Lest we forget.
John Farrell,
Armidale
