Anzac Day service held large crowd pays respects

RESIDENTS stood shoulder to shoulder at Anzac Day services across the district.

By Support Team

Anzac Day service: Corangamite Light Horse members George and Lisa Coleman along with Darryn Morrison representing his relative George Bowden who was in the 21st Battalion of the D Company at Camperdown’s Anzac Day service.

RESIDENTS stood shoulder to shoulder at Anzac Day services across the district.

Camperdown Returned and Services League (RSL) president Alan Fleming said retired wing commander Kevin Murray was guest speaker at the Camperdown Anzac Commemoration Service held at 10.45am.

The service followed a dawn service and gunfire breakfast as well as the traditional Anzac Day march.

Students from Camperdown College, St Patrick’s Primary School and Mercy Regional College attended the service to complete a number of tribute readings and lay wreaths.

Mr Fleming said April 25 marked 107 years since the landing of Australian and New Zealand forces at Gallipoli in 1915.

“With Australians experiencing the Second World War, and other wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations following Gallipoli, Anzac Day is an important occasion to honour all who have work our country’s uniform in service,” he said.

“We reflect on the tragic loss of life, their injuries and the sacrifice and sorrow endured by so many families for years to come.”

Mr Fleming said the annual Camperdown Anzac Day service was only possible thanks to “fantastic community support” which included:

• Corangamite Shire;

• Camperdown Lions Club;

• Lakes and Craters Band; and

• Tim and Andrea Bell.

He paid particular tribute to Mortlake Corangamite Light Horse members George and Lisa Coleman who attended the service at the MCG on Sunday night and still were able to make it to Camperdown’s service the following morning.

“And a warm thank you to everyone for attending. Your attendance and support and reassuring to all families who still feel the loss of loved ones due to injuries and illnesses suffered during conflict,” Mr Fleming said.

Looking forward, residents were asked to get in contact about a project.

“I have some thoughts on ways to further honour our veterans by identifying their final resting places in the Camperdown cemetery,” Mr Fleming said.

“You may have seen the wonderful sight of flags flying in Cobden this week."

“I would ask everyone to send me details of family and friends who have worn the uniforms of our military forces."

“You could leave your Veterans’ details along with your contact details in the letter box at the RSL at any time.”

In Derrinallum, a service was also held for the wider community.

Derrinallum P-12 School students Amy Prout and Audrey Ringe represented the college at the service.

Lest We Forget.