THE threatening rain clouds which had hung over Gloucester all week cleared for a beautiful and sunny commemoration of Anzac Day on Friday, 25 April.
This year marked 110 years since the Gallipoli landing.
In the dark and fog of the early morning, hundreds of participants gathered at the Gloucester cenotaph for the 5:30am Dawn Service, presided over by Dallas Heard, President of the Gloucester RSL sub-branch, with contributions from Ty Soupidis from Church on the Hill and Deacon John Pelletier from Gloucester Catholic Church.
Many local groups laid wreaths and the sounds of the bagpipes filled the morning air.
Bob Swadling, a music teacher from Gloucester High School, moved the gathering with his playing of “The Last Post”.
Members of the Gloucester RSL sub-Branch congregated at the Gloucester Recreation Centre for breakfast before assembling at 10:15am outside the Gloucester RSL Club.
Alongside the marching veterans were students from local schools, the Rural Fire Service, Fire Brigade, and other community groups who joined together for the traditional procession down Church Street, some travelling in an assortment of vehicles.
In the front vehicle was Mr Toby Wilson, who at 98-years-old is Gloucester’s oldest war veteran.
Later Mr Wilson was celebrated with his photograph, replica medals with his story being unveiled.
The traditional 11am gathering at the clock tower was once again celebrated by hundreds from Gloucester and the surrounding region who were deeply touched by the solemnity of the occasion.
Sue Thomas captured the audience with her talk about the personal impact of war on her own family.
Children from the local schools, including Gloucester High School captains Sam Collie and Emma Bignell, played a prominent part, as well as providing musical contributions and a poetry reading.
By the conclusion of the service, the sun was still shining and RSL sub-Branch members and their guests continued on for a special lunch at the Gloucester RSL Club.
“At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”
By John WATTS
