It was an emotional scene yesterday as the old Diggers walked slowly towards the Carillon, their path lined by more than a thousand people clapping in recognition of their courage and their sacrifice.
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Heads held high they marched – a few tears, a brilliant smile for an old mate.
People of all ages gathered in brilliant sunshine for yesterday’s Anzac Day ceremony on Kings Parade.
The glass door of the Carillon, which houses the eternal flame, was completely covered in wreaths of remembrance.
Prayers were offered by Rev Howard Knowles that peace may come to all humankind, a welcome was extended by RSL Sub Branch president Denis Chamberlain and the commemorative address was presented by All Saints’ College student Emma Pullinen.
Bathurst mayor Monica Morse gave thanks to all who served, honoured the contribution our forces have made and paid tribute to everyone who has been affected by war.
“We remember that those brave young men who fought at Gallipoli and in France were sons and husbands,” Cr Morse said.
“They had volunteered to fight for what they believed was right and they fought with courage and perseverance.
“Bathurst watched as these young men marched from small towns and villages across the Central West to army bases in Bathurst and Sydney.
“The First World War recruitment marches encouraged young men to leave their farms and their homes and to leave behind their families, many of whom never saw their men again.”
Cr Morse said how proud those same men would be today of their nation.
She said Bathurst is a free and prosperous city.
“We have welcomed newcomers from all parts of the world who have made a commitment to the ideals for which so many brave young men and women fought.”
The keynote speaker for yesterday’s citizens’ commemoration service was Rear Admiral Tony Dalton, who represented the Royal Australian Navy in its 100th year.
Rear Admiral Dalton said it was a great privilege to be able to commemorate Anzac Day with local servicemen and women, and to see the way the community supports them.
“It is part of who we are as Australians,” he said.
Rear Admiral Dalton spoke of his grandfather who, as a 15-year-old, ran away from the Mallee to join the navy. Typical of many Australian servicemen, he was a bit of a larrikin, he said.
He also talked about his Great Uncle Rupert who ‘lies buried on those bleak rocky shores’.
Rear Admiral Dalton said 100,000 Australians have been killed in military conflicts over the years.
“Bathurst’s own sons and daughters are the people we remember today,” he said.
“Too often it is easy to put war out of our minds. By honouring our Anzac heritage, we hold them in our hearts.
“The lesson is about ordinary people doing extraordinary things – a story of courage, integrity and adversity.
“It’s a poignant reminder of what we have lost in war as well as what we were given.
“We have gained a legend and with it a deeper understanding of ourselves.”
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