At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.
Thanks to Padre Bill Gray (MNZM, QSM) and his committee, the Tolaga Bay community will certainly remember this year’s Anzac service and the fallen heroes we honoured, as amongst the best ever.
Personally, l found it a most humbling experience in so many ways. Thankfully the weather played its part by contributing to the service with a spectacular sunrise out of the orange/red horizon, as the flags were lowered and raised and the wreaths were laid at the memorial gates. I felt a reflective pride as one of my mates, Nick Seymour, laid his own wreath in memory of his Dad who, like so many of our servicemen, did not return.
It was a privilege to be associated with the hundreds of fellow citizens who came to share in this memorable occasion. I doubt there was a town in the country where so many of its residents turned out to honour their war dead. There were so many other aspects of this service that made it so special.
We listened in silence to the speeches and the Padre’s order of service. Is there another person who can conduct such an event with just the right mix of solemnity and humour? If so, l’d like to meet him. At one stage after the laying of the wreaths, our MC pleaded with us not to flog the wreaths because he needed them back for next year. He then apologised to our local policeman, Senior Constable Richard Reeves — who gave the main address — for failing to gain a permit for the fireworks display. Wonderful stuff and so appropriate.
