Veterans marched in Murgon’s traditional Anzac Day parade behind the flags of Australia, New Zealand and the Returned Services League

April 26, 2016

Murgon celebrated Anzac Day in the town’s traditional fashion on Monday.

Despite blustery conditions early in the morning, the 5:30am Dawn Service was well-attended.

And by 9:00am when the town’s Anzac Day parade began to assemble in the RSL’s car park, the winds had eased and the sun was shining brightly.

This year’s parade was – as usual – accompanied by a collection of restored military vehicles provided courtesy of Windera collector John Kratzmann.

Harvy Dascombe’s 1928 Buick also made its annual appearance.

So did students from Murgon State High School and all the district’s primary schools, who followed veterans up Gore Street and then along both sides of Lamb Street, accompanied this year by a recreation of Simpson and his donkey that brought smiles to many onlookers.

Once the parade had concluded, the Memorial Service began.

Richie O’Neill OAM delivered the Welcome Address, and this was followed by the national anthems of New Zealand and Australia.

Rev Greg Carle then offered prayers and a scripture reading, after which Sergeant Brock Kiehne gave the address.

The Reading Resolutions were delivered by Deputy Mayor Kathy Duff, before Sgt Kiehne read the Names Of The Fallen and wreaths were laid at the War Memorial.

After the Ode, which was read by RSL Sub-branch president Trevor Sanderson, the Last Post and Rouse were played by Joel Mollenhauer.

Then Rev Carle read the Benediction and then guests dispersed for refreshments at the RSL.

Simpson and his donkey made an appearance at this year’s Murgon Anzac Day March – in spirit, anyway – and brought a smile to the faces of onlookers
There was a military jeep with a sidecar …
… and an imposing bren gun carrier …
… an Army jeep packed with passengers …
… and a fully restored WWII army transport
Students from Murgon State High school followed the veterans and led the parade’s school contingent
Murgon State School
Moffatdale State School
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School had a large roll-up
Windera State School
Cloyna State School
Army cadets marched in the parade, and performed many roles during the service including forming the Catafalque Party at the War Memorial
Dtumers helped the marchers stay in step as the parade wound its way around the length of QEII Park along Lamb Street

 

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