It was a terrific sight as hundreds of school students joined marchers today for the Kangaroo March.
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The group, re-enacting the famous war recruitment drive from Wagga to Sydney a century ago were dressed in period costume travelling on horseback, in vintage automobiles or on foot.
They were authentic down to the travel songs the men were singing to keep spirits high.
The group of men and women re-enactors came via Sutton Street to the cenotaph at Albert Park where a short ceremony was conducted.
MC David Williamson spoke about the significance of the journey.
“We are not just about soldiers on the frontline, but we would like to emphasise the importance of families and communities,” Mr Williamson said.
Communities were particularly important for the Kangaroos, who all marched from regional towns, many small villages to enlist.
Left behind to manage agricultural properties and keep towns going were the older generation, women and kids too young to go to war, but they managed and these communities, the ones we live in today, are thriving.
Through the re-enactment, the Kangaroo March legacy has almost been reborn as students study the feats of those before them.
A number of students from EA Southee Public School presented talks on research they had conducted into World War I soldiers including:
- Pte L Perry by Millie Perry
- Pte JLW Hodge by Illiana Holmes
- Pte JJ Meale by Bailee Meale
- Pte W Baillie by Bayley Synfield
- Pte J Marshall by Seth Shultz
A flag raising and wreath laying ceremony followed.
Marchers will spend tonight camping at the Cootamundra Showground.
The entire community is invited to the showground from 6pm tonight, Friday, September 11, for a barbecue dinner and movie, as well as the chance to chat to guests including Federal Guards.
The community fun continues on Saturday with a street parade to be held at midday, concluding with a re-enactment of an image taken on Wallendoon Street.
Albert Park is the place to be from 2pm tomorrow as the CDCA host a Twenty20 match to raise money for Legacy.
Tickets are also still available through council for the WWI-inspired CADAS production on Saturday evening.
On Sunday morning the men continue on their way, marching to Wallendbeen for a service, street parade, producers fair and more.
Throughout the weekend the Cootamundra Local History Society is also mounting a display in the Stephen Ward Rooms.
The display will include WWI photographs, such as interesting images of Cootamundra Military Camp on the Showground, locals who enlisted, and much more memorabilia.