April 27, 2016
South Burnett residents made sure the sacrifices of the first Anzacs – and their successors in conflicts since – were not forgotten on Monday.
The 101st anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli – and the 100th anniversary of the RSL – was marked in towns big and small across the region.
Dawn services and morning parades were well-attended.
In Nanango, citizens gathered for a Dawn Service at 5:00am, followed by a pilgrimage to military graves in Nanango Cemetery.
The main service began with a march down Drayton Street at 8:45am followed by a short service and wreath-laying ceremony at the Nanango Memorial.
Students from Nanango State School, Nanango State High School, St Patrick’s Nanango, and St Mary’s Catholic College read out the service records of four local war veterans: Sr Madeline Wilson, Private Michael Mangan, Lieutenant George Taylor Pledger, MC; and Lance Sergeant Robert Bernard Raper, MM.
Mayor Keith Campbell then delivered the Anzac Day Address.
“Time dims the memory of ordinary events, but not of great events,” he said.
“Great events are distinguished by the qualities of the human endeavour … and the legends they inspire.”
He said the cream of Australia and New Zealand fought with great skill but the achievements of the Anzacs were measured in ways other than battle tactics.
Nanango RSL Sub-Branch vice-president Charles Kemp said the Anzacs valued mateship above all else.
He said Australians remembered Simpson and his donkey for his courage and compassion rather than his skill with a weapon.
“Many people argue that it was Gallipoli rather than Federation which united Australia,” he said.
“The Anzac spirit is at the heart and very essence of Australia.
“(The Anzacs) set the standard for future generations of Australians to follow.”
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