Aberdeen Passing on the ANZAC Tradition

By Nancy Lee

The Aberdeen community gathered in large numbers to mark ANZAC Day and remember those who lost their lives in battle for Australia.

The day started under a pink dawn and the sound of kookaburras singing, with more than 150 people assembled at the Aberdeen War Memorial for the ANZAC Day Dawn Service led by Aberdeen RSL President, Judy Lanyon.

See photos below.

Local Parliamentarians Barnaby Joyce and Michael Johnson laid wreaths as part of the Dawn Service.

Later in the morning, more than 200 people gathered for the ANZAC Day procession led by a Frank Daley Junior on horseback, followed by a brass band and a number of community groups including Aberdeen Junior Rugby League, Air Cadets, Aberdeen Primary School, St Joseph’s High School, Australian Red Cross and SES Services.

The service was led by Judy Lanyon, Aberdeen RSL Club President., the ANZAC Requiem was read by Michael O’Connell and the opening prayer led by Wayne Murray.

Earl Shields sang the hymns for the service and the national anthems.

Jason Reeves, Rod Furminger and 11 year old Haley Lanyon said prayers for those who have died in war, for the peace of the world and the armed forces.

Scott Peel and his son Ryder Peel read the Act of Remembrance, followed by the Last Post played by Sam Kennedy.

For the first time, both the Australian and New Zealand National Anthems were sung at an ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Aberdeen.

Both national flags were also flown to remember the joint forces.

The ceremony concluded with the Lord’s Prayer and Benediction, followed by coffee at the Fire Station and lunch at the RSL Club.

Judy Lanyon RSL President commented afterwards that the RSL in Aberdeen has been “going from strength to strength” and involving more children in the services and preparations for ANZAC Day services.

A number of children and young people marched wearing the medals of their forefathers.

Aberdeen’s strong sense of community continues involving all generations in RSL club activities, keeping the memory of the ANZAC spirit alive.