Large attendances at Friday’s Anzac commemorations across Narrabri Shire again emphasised the community’s recognition of the day as one of national significance.
A large contingent of people took part in the Narrabri march, starting at 10.30am from Anzac Avenue near the TAFE, progressing down Maitland Street to the cenotaph at the RSL where they joined the crowd in a solemn observance in memory of those who served and died in wars.
The Narrabri ceremony was a poignant occasion, more so than usual this year for some reflecting on the passing during the year of ex-service people who once marched to the applause of proud family, friends and community.
This was the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the First World War, and is seen as a prelude to the centenary of the Gallipoli landings next year, the birth of the Anzac legend and a commemoration of special importance to Australia.
This year, the ranks of World War II veterans taking part were again thinner. However, several former service people of that conflict joined the march aboard vehicles including a World War II jeep and a troop carrier.
Neil McCutcheon again made his traditional pilgrimage from his home in Laurieton back to Narrabri to join the commemoration, a journey he makes without fail every year.
Organisers were pleased with the attendance at the Narrabri service, and particularly with the number of young people and families taking part, a trend which is strengthening at Anzac observances across Australia each year.
The proceedings were led by MC Narrabri RSL CEO, Paul Gordon, with the prologue delivered by Narrabri RSL sub branch president, Ken Craddock.
The Anzac commemoration address was presented by Reverend Tim Baxter and Narrabri West School captains Ezri Burgess-Thode and Keegan Richardson delivered the oration.
A highlight of the proceedings, albeit one which temporarily drowned out the speakers, was a fly past by a Hawk jet fighter trainer from 76 Squadron RAAF Williamtown which made two passes over the crowd.
Earlier, an aircraft from a different era, a Cessna Bird Dog forward control and spotter from the Korean and Vietnam war carried out a flypast.
The large crowd stood in respectful silence as the bugler sounded The Last Post and Reveille, and joined in as the Narrabri Shire Band led the traditional hymn, Abide With Me.
The recital of the Ode, ‘They shall grow not old...’ again presented a powerful and emotional sentiment which encapsulates the meaning of the Anzac observance.
The Royal Hymn, God Save The Queen was sung, an acknowledgement of Australia’s historic roots and its place in the Commonwealth to this day, with the service concluding with the Australian national anthem.