THE sun shone and people came out in droves for the Kendall ANZAC Commemoration Service. The War Memorial Park was filled to capacity with locals, visitors and holiday-makers. Riders on horseback from the Camden Haven Pony Club lined the southern side of the park.
Under the instruction of Parade Master Ken Kinman the procession of Servicemen and women; ex-service men and women; relatives honouring another; Kendall Public School students; and others, marched up Comboyne Street to the Cenotaph with Cenotaph Guard, Geoff Martin at front and the Camden Haven Pony Club Riders at rear. The riders veered off to form a line of horses along the southern side of the War Memorial Park. To rousing applause from the crowd, the marchers entered the War Memorial Park with Aussie Gum trees on one side and the Gallipoli Lone Pine on the other. The Cenotaph Guard took post and rested on arms during the ceremony.
Kendall RSL sub-Branch President, Lance Gainey opened the Service by thanking the marchers and visiting servicemen and called for RSL State Councillor Bob Metcalfe to lay a wreath for departed Kendall RSL sub-Branch Members and ex-Service Members of the Kendall community.
Rev. John Green offered the Prayer of Thanksgiving and delivered the Oration. He spoke about the Gallipoli landing; the Australian Navy; sacrifices made; peacekeeping missions around the world; the bombing of Darwin; Singapore’s defeat and the Japanese advance.
Lance Gainey recited the Prayer for the Queen and Jim Mansfield delivered the Prayer for the Nation.
Camden Haven High School students have taken part in the Kendall Anzac Service for many years and are a special part of the ceremony which is appreciated by all. This year Vice-Captains Jayden Hudson and Nikki Seymour gave enthralling Commemoration Speeches.
Jayden talked about Remembrance; the Australian National Identity; the bloody battle of Lone Pine where 7 Victoria Crosses were awarded for gallantry; The Battle of the Neck; lives lost and the ANZAC legend born; past and present. He spoke of the spirit, actions and bravery of Corp. Ben Roberts-Smith in Afghanistan.
Nikki spoke of great events; remembrance; honour those who served with distinction; achievements measured that inspire national pride and unity; the meaning of ANZAC day; respect for all; duty and patriotism in conflicts; reflection on friendships formed from battlefields long ago; and to value who we are.
Ron Bowyer offered the Commemoration of the Fallen Prayer. The Wreath Laying Ceremony commenced with Danny Mitchell laying the wreath for the Kendall RSL sub-Branch.
Christopher Findlay, a young Bugler from the Port Macquarie Young Guns Band, gave a stirring rendition of the “Last Post” and “Reveille”, while Betty Boyd sang to the crowd with a beautiful presentation of the hymn - Abide with Me.
The Kendall RSL sub-Branch thanks everyone who participated and attended, and hopes for your continued support. Our Servicemen and woman are still serving our nation today and young lives are still being lost.
Their stories should be remembered. They... should be remembered. We will remember them - Lest we forget