Anzac Day a time to give thanks

David Pickard and Victor Bartley with the Hales and Co Honour Roll. See story at right. Photo TWH

Bourke residents and visitors are invited to attend this year’s Anzac Day services to commemorate those who have served, sacrificed, and defended the nation in theatres of war and in peace keeping operations.

Arguably one of the most significant days on the calendar, Anzac Day commemorations in Bourke begin with the Dawn Service at the Cenotaph Precinct in Central Park at 6am on Tuesday, April 25.

The Dawn Service is followed by the Anzac march from Wally Mitchell Wharf precinct where returned service men and women, police, emergency services, schoolteachers and students and members of the public will gather at 10.30 am, with the march starting at 10.40 am for arrival at Central Park, to begin the morning service at 11am.

Organisations and members of the public who wish to lay wreaths or floral tributes at the Cenotaph during the service, are asked to contact Victor Bartley or Kelly Lienesch prior to the event.

With the collaboration of the villagers of Enngonia, the Bourke RSL will also conduct an afternoon ceremony at the Enngonia War Memorial Hall at 3.30pm. All residents and visitors are invited to attend.

Bourke RSL President Victor Bartley said he was confident there would be strong response to the event across the shire and encouraged people to take the time to participate in Tuesday’s ceremonies.

“Anzac Day is a time to remember the sacrifice of those who served and gave their lives for this country in times of war,” he said.

“The date acknowledges the day the Australian and New Zealand Army Corp landed at Gallipoli and suffered horrendous losses.

“Both our countries want future generations to understand the sacrifices of those brave men.

“As the descendants of those people, we must honour that sacrifice, and all those young lives lost.

“They went to war because our countries asked them, and I can’t put into words enough why we should honour them.

“I remember as a kid seeing all the old blokes march, wearing their medals with such pride and I decided that was something I wanted to do.

“That is why I encourage everyone to remember what those servicemen and women did - it is so important that we never forget,” Mr Bartley said.

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