3RAR Vietnam veteran Phil Lambert, from Port Pirie, with Arthur Turner, former 10 Field Company RAE, now a resident at Castra in Murgon
April 27, 2014
A bren gun carrier, a jeep and a World War II-era motorbike led the morning Anzac Day parade in Murgon.
The vehicles, which belong to Windera collector John Kratzmann, brought a strong military flavour to the day’s commemorations.
Murgon residents turned out at dawn for the traditional early morning service, which included a volley of shots, before backing up at 10:00am for the parade and wreath-laying ceremony at the Murgon cenotaph.
This was the 95th Anzac Day service to be held in Murgon.
Army Craftsman Josh Shelton took the salute at the parade.
Fr Michael Carroll, from St Joseph’s Catholic Parish, conducted the blessing and gave a Gospel reading.
Murgon State High School captains Geoffrey Kinsella and Kirsten Upton, who were due to fly out to Europe on Sunday as part of the South Burnett delegation to Dodewaard, were the guest speakers.
Cr Kathy Duff then read out the Honour Roll.
As a special gesture, the lights in the central park in Murgon CBD were turned red by the South Burnett Regional Council as a mark of respect for Anzac Day until Saturday.
Defence force veterans in the Murgon parade
Richard O’Neill, OAM, compered the Anzac Day service in Murgon
Rod Foster and Josephine Kemp sang the Australian and NZ anthems respectively
Cadet Lisa Bridges and soon-to-be cadet Sarah Connell, at rear, with John Kratzmann, Windera, and 19th Battalion veteran Bill Ross, from Murgon, in John’s restored bren gun carrierThe restored bren gun carrier led the parade
Murgon High School captains Geoffrey Kinsella and Kirsten Upton were the guest speakers
Liam Frawley, from Windera, on a 1939 BSA belonging to militaria collector John Kratzmann
There was a New Zealand contingent marching … the “NZ” in AnzacCloyna State SchoolMurgon State High SchoolMurgon State SchoolWindera State SchoolMoffatdale State SchoolSt Joseph’s Catholic School, MurgonSt Mary’s Catholic CollegeSome of the biggest cheers were heard for the Murgon MustangsThe veterans assembled behind the flag-bearers at the monument
