Though the sun rose beyond clouds, over 1,000 people from the community got up early to greet the dawn at Brunswick Heads today.
After a march from the Brunswick Heads–Billinudgel RSL Sub Branch hall in Fawcett Street to the cenotaph, President Des Wraight invited the assembled to drawn near, the comemorate the 109th anniversary of the landing of the ANAZACs at Gallipoli.
The parade faced the east, in the direction of the rising sun. The flag will was lowered to half mast.
We remember the 25th of April, 1915
This morning, we remember back to the 25th of April,’ said Mr Wraight. ‘In 1915 when troops from the Australian New Zealand Army Corps landed in the dark on the shores of Gallipoli.
‘This year, we would like to recognize the service of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people during the Second World War.
‘It is also the 75th anniversary of Australian service in the Korean War, and the 75th anniversary of the Australian service in Malaya in the Malayan emergencies.
So, this morning, ladies and gentlemen, we remember not only the landings at Gallipoli, but we also remember all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and continue to serve our nation in war, conflict and peacekeeping operations for Australians and New Zealanders.
A time for solemn reflection
‘Anzac Day is a time for solemn reflection and to express gratitude for this service.’
The congregation faced the cenotaph as the Brunswick Heads, Ocean Shores and Pocket schools joined together to sing the Lest We Forget song.
A memorial covered in flowers
Wreathes were laid at the memoril, including those from the RSL Sub Branch, Next of Kin and Legacy as well as a representative of the Member for Ballina and The Byron Shire Council, represented by councilor Janet Swain.
Then in turn the New South Wales, Fire and Rescue, the Rural Fire Brigade, New South Wales Police, the Brunswick Valley Rescue Squad, Marine Rescue Brunswick and the Brunswick Surf Life Saving club, placed flowers – these were follwed by the Red Cross, the Hotel Brunswick, the Ocean Shores Country Club And the Brunswick Heads Bowling Club.
Several more wreaths were laid by other local businesses, schools in the area and individuals.
Mr Wraight paid tribute to the, ‘gallant men and women who paid the supreme sacrifice on the seas, in the air, or on the soils of Gallipoli, France, Belgium, the Middle East, Far East, New Guinea, Malaya, Burma, Borneo, Korea, Vietnam, East Timor, Afghanistan, and other United Nations area of conflict or peacekeeping operations.
‘…they went with song to battle
‘They were young and straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow. They were staunch to the end against odds, uncounted. They fell with their faces to the foe. Their glory shall never die. Their epitaphs are written in the hearts of mankind, and whenever there is talk of noble deeds, their names will be held in great reverence.
‘They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.
’At this hour upon this day, all those years ago, ANZAC received its baptism of fire and became one of the immortal names in history.
‘We who are gathered here today, think of all those comrades who went to the battlefield and did not return. We also think of comrades had answered the call to alms in more recent times and did not return. We feel their nearest in spirit. We wish to be worthy of their sacrifice. Let us therefore once more dedicate ourselves to the service of the ideals for which they died, as the dawn is even now about to pierce the night, so let the memory of them inspire us to work and pray for the coming of a new light into the dark places of the world.’
The congregation faced the west in the direction of the setting sun, which signified the end of the day’s activities.
Thus we honor the memory of those who passed beyond the sunset
A bugler played the Last Post and after a moment of shared silence, the bugler sounded Rouse.
The Reverend Tay Lee, lead a prayer and Mullumbimby High School captains Monet Shortland and Solomon Wolff recited a poem by the late Leslie Smith, a surviving veteran, before Reverend Tay Lee gave a benediction.
‘God give your grace to the living and rest to those who’ve gone before us. Bless this town and its surroundings, and bless all who call Australia home, those whose ancestors cared for this land for generations, those born here and those who have chosen to make this place their home. And may the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be with you and keep you and remain with you now and always.’
After the national anthems of both New Zealand and Australia centuries, many marched a circuit of the town before enjoying refreshments at the RSL hall.
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