Cowra Commemorates Anzac Day

On Thursday 24th April Cowra RSL sub-Branch began ANZAC Day commemorations by presenting services at Weeroona and Bilyara Nursing Homes. Councillor Paul Smith, Mayor of Cowra was a speial guest at these services.

At both services, sub-Branch President Nathan Flannagan welcomed everyone and spoke briefly on the meaning of ANZAC and the reasons we commemorate it. The sub-Branch padre, Lieutenant Jodie McInnes from the Salvation Army led the prayers and wreaths were laid for each of the armed services by RSL members. Residents laid wreaths from their nursing homes, followed by the Last Post, the Ode and Reveille.

Both the New Zealand and Australian National Anthems were played to conclude the ceremonies.

A large crowd gathered in the early morning of April 25th to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings at the dawn service. This year also marks the 75th anniversary of

Australia service in the Korean War and the 75th anniversary of Australian service in the Malayan Emergency. Members of the sub-Branch welcomed special guest Rear Admiral Brett Sonter.

Members of the Cowra Cadets mounted a Catafalque Party at the Cenotaph.

After the parade formed up and marched to the Cenotaph the service was led by sub-Branch President, Nathan Flannagan, who, in his address, spoke of the sacrifice of servicemen in all conflicts. The RSL Padre, Lieutenant Jodie McInness led the prayers and wreaths were laid to represent the armed forces and conflicts in which servicemen had been involved.

The Cowra Vocal Ensemble presented moving renditions of Abide With Me and the Recessional accompanied by the Cowra Band.

After the playing of the Last Post, the Ode and Reveille, the service concluded with the singing of the New Zealand and Australian National Anthems.

The Dawn Service was followed by the 10.30 Morning Wreath Laying Service, held at the Cenotaph. Once again, following a forty-year tradition, cadets from Alamein Company, Royal Military College, joined RSL sub-Branch members and visiting service and exservice personnel in this part of the commemoration. The service was led by President, Nathan Flannagan and he was joined by RSL Padre, Lieutenant Jodie McInness. Special guests at this service were Ms Stephanie Cook, Member for Cootamundra and Councillor Paul Smith, Mayor of Cowra.

Many community groups and organisations laid wreaths at the Cenotaph, at which had an Honour Guard from Cowra Cadets posted. The cadets also acted as flag and banner bearers for the service and march.

This service was followed by the march to River Park for the Community Service. The march was led by the Cowra band, followed by Alamein Company. Cars provided by the Cowra Classic Car Club were used to transport those veterans who were unable to march in the parade.

The Community Service included an address were given by Paul Smith the Cowra Shire Mayor, Ms Stephanie Cook the Member for Cootamundra, Naval representative, Rear Admiral Brett Sonter and a Commemoration Address given by a representative of the Royal Military College. The Cowra RSL sub-Branch would like to thank all those who participated in and attended the services.

• Topics:
• Anzac Day