Wet weather failed to the douse the Anzac flames as hundreds piled into the Ex-Services Club for the Anzac Commemorative Service on Tuesday.
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With parade plans thwarted by incessant rainfall, the service garnered a healthy crowd ranging from veterans to infants experiencing their first Anzac Day.
Proceedings were led by the 1/19 Royal New South Wales Regiment, Alpha Company Wagga, who performed admirably throughout the ceremony.
Cootamundra High School Captain Tahlia Gatto opened the service with a heartfelt prologue before prayers and addresses from Mitchell Deep (Sacred Heart), Alexandra Oliver (EA Southee) and Philipa Crawford (Cootamundra Public) were interspersed by formal wreath and hat laying processions from local businesses, entities, sports clubs and the 256 Army Cadet Unit.
Attendees were fortunate enough to hear firsthand from Major General the Honourable Justice Paul Le Gay Brereton AM RFD, who delivered a powerful keynote speech touching upon the sacrifices and suffrage of those who have fought to protect Australia since the country’s birth.
Major General the Honourable Justice Brereton took special note of the bravery and services of those who fought in the Middle East, stating the horrors of war in those locations “are still not yet comprehended” by those back home.
These powerful words were followed by an offering from President Combined Churches of Cootamundra Darren Duncanson, who led the gathering in giving thanks for the dauntless courage of the Anzac forebears.
Once again, the Ode was recited before attendees stood in silence for the Last Post, minute’s silence, and Rouse, performed by the 219 Army Cadet Unit’s very own Lachlan Wordsworth.
Hymns and anthems were to follow before the final guard dismount concluded service proceedings.
For many, it was a special service that epitomised the strength of Anzac values whilst for others, the day will be defined by the simplistic individual acknowledgement and respect.
“It’s just about honouring and remembering the sacrifice of those who served and came back, and those who served and did not,” said local florist and ex-servicemen Allan Jenkins.
“We might not even be here if it wasn’t for those men and women.”
