ANZAC Day 2011

Settling into life in the small northwestern NSW town of Baradine has been an absolute pleasure, albeit only part-time for now.  It was with a community spirit, national pride and appreciation of our armed forces, both present and those long gone, that we attended Anzac Day proceedings in Baradine yesterday, 25th April 2011.

Organised events began with a free bus transporting people to the village of Gwabegar, 30km northwest of Baradine, for the Dawn Service, on a crisp but glorious morning.

Then, mid-morning, a parade of ex-Service men, RSL Sub-Branch, Baradine Central School, St John's School, school band and Baradine and District Pony Club commenced at the site of the now non-existent  Baradine RSL Club, finishing at the War Memorial at the Baradine Memorial Pool.

*****  *****  *****

Welcome, introduction, and prayer were offered:

'The Recessional'

God of our fathers, known of old,

Lord of our far flung battle line.

Beneath whose awful hand we hold

Dominion over palm and pine;

Lord God of hosts, be with us yet,

Lest we forget; lest we forget.

The tumult and the shouting dies

The captains and the kings depart,

Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice,

A humble and a contrite heart.

Lord God of hosts, be with us yet

Lest we forget; lest we forget.

*****  *****  *****

There was a laying of wreaths and flowers by Baradine RSL Sub-Branch members, Gwabegar Veteran and Ex-Services, Baradine Ex-Service ladies, Baradine Central School, Baradine St John's School, and members of the community.

The Last Post bugle call was performed by a capable young man, with the lowering and raising of flags.  The 'Ode' and The Silence were followed by the 'Reveille' bugle call, with the Australian National Anthem, 'Advance Australia Fair' sung by all.

While the Last Post sounded, the call of Spiny-cheeked Honeyeaters reminded us that we were not far from The Bush, and the neighing of the children's horses added to the poignant atmosphere.  And the sun shone. Our first Anzac Day in our new home town was special.

*****  *****  *****

After the Service at the Memorial, those who wished to attend a religious service proceeded to the Memorial Hall.