There was movement on the footpath
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The murmur went around
That Nambucca’s ANZAC march was underway …
And so it was ... headed by a police car, our RSL leaders walked proud followed by our veterans, young and old, with Gillian Baker from the Army Ordinance Corps at the front.
There were those on foot, others in wheelchairs and a few in minibuses.
The Shire band followed, as did the service clubs and groups, local police and students from Nambucca schools.
They marched down the hill to the cenotaph, accompanied by the cheers and applause of families and friends.
Gillian joined other women veterans, Heather Bale and Lena Compton, in solidarity with the campaign ‘By the Left’ to educate people that those who have served or are serving wear their medals on the left … women and young Australian Defence Force personnel included.
‘I can’t begin to count the number of times men have asked me whose medals I am wearing,” Gillian said.
“It is important for everyone to know that if you have served, you wear your medals on the left.”
Principal of the Nambucca Heads Christian Community School, Jeff Allen, was the Master of Ceremonies. He said ANZAC Day represented the ultimate in mateship, sacrifice, humour and respect, as well as “doing the right thing when it might not be popular”.
Cr Anne Smyth gave the address.
She spoke of the endurance, courage and humour of the Gallipoli diggers, all volunteers, and some as young as 14.
“There are quite a lot of young people here today – what will you do this afternoon?
“Will you hang out with mates, play computer games, go to the beach … we live in a time of peace, we have not had to risk or witness war and death in our lives here,” she said.
“But there are many who know the loss of war and here in Nambucca Heads we honour those who served and those who serve now.
“Next time you bite into an ANZAC biscuit think about what that would have meant to those soldiers in the trenches … goodies from home.”
She finished with a quote from a North Coast Indigenous digger: “I long for a good feed of oysters and pippis … I’d give 10 bob for that!”
The wreath laying was beautiful and generous, as always … and took place under fluttering flags, including that of New Zealand.
Two National Anthems were sung – our own and the New Zealand one.
Newly-elected RSL sub-branch president, David Stephenson, said they felt it was appropriate to put the ‘NZ’ in ANZAC.