A warmer than usual autumn chill dawned on Goulburn’s Anzac Day dawn service.
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Hundreds poured into Belmore Park, donned in jackets, holding coffees and showing no signs of waning fervour for the annual commemoration.
Goulburn Air Cadets and Trinity Catholic College cadets took their places, while Goulburn Soldiers Pipes and Drums added a ceremonial touch.
RSL Sub Branch president Gordon Wade welcomed the crowd, while the Reverend Norm Wakefield said prayers for the fallen and those serving.
Trinity Catholic College captain Tom Walker, the son of Cr Peter Walker, wanted to convey a strong message about the day’s importance.
He thanked those who had served and continued to serve in Australia’s various campaigns but added that others shouldn’t be forgotten.
“I’ve only recently found out about Goulburn’s importance during the war, manufacturing uniforms and the boots at Baxters,” he said.
But there were also the women who stayed at home, holding the fort, the medics, nurses and doctors on and off the battlefields who saved lives.
”To the police who stayed behind to keep the peace and later fought in the war effort, I thank you. To all the firefighters who fought on foreign and home soil, protecting diggers and the like, I thank you,” he said.
“To everyone here today for keeping the spirit of Anzac alive, I thank you. Without your presence this important part of our history would be forgotten.”
Tom said Anzac Day was important to him because it was Australia’s heritage and he was here today due to the men and women who fought in the wars.
He had lost family members on each side in both world wars but there were also those who stayed behind.
Two of his great grandfathers were farmers who nevertheless did their bit providing for Australia and its servicemen and women.
“Farmers will always have a special place in my heart due to their relevance and who I am today,” Tom said.
“My great grandfather, Thomas, tried to enlist but was knocked back due to having flat feet. It was frustrating for him. He wanted to help the war effort but he put his energies into his farm and raising his family. My other great grandfather John was exempt because of working on the farm with his father.
“Due to these people I now have a newfound respect for not only those people who fought during the war, but those who didn’t and stayed behind to help however they could.
“...War isn’t a good thing, never was and never will be, but as I live and have Australian blood running through my veins, I will always pay my respects to the fallen soldiers, the returning veterans, those who stayed behind and those who are fighting now.
“We will remember them. Lest we forget.”
Linda Mace recited two poems, Gallipoli and Anzac Requiem. Special guests at the service included 94-year-old Goulburn Sub Branch patron Peter Lloyd AO OBE and Turkish Embassy Commercial Attache to Australia Selcuk Bozok, who also later addressed Tallong’s ANZAC Day ceremony. Mayor Bob Kirk, Hume MP Angus Taylor and Goulburn MP Pru Goward also attended.
It was followed by a war graves service at Goulburn Lawn Cemetery and breakfast at the Goulburn Soldiers Club.