At the Dawn Service were (from left) Fr Paul Lu, Fr Fredrik Le Measurier, piper Bill Tom and Finley RSL Sub-branch president Jeff Ward.
As dawn began to break last Thursday morning, the haunting sounds of bagpipes could be heard playing from a distance and gradually making their way to the cenotaph in the Finley Memorial Park.
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A large number of community members had gathered to honour those who have served, those who are still serving and those who made the supreme sacrifice in war to give us the freedom we have today.
The usual piper, Alan Brunt, was unable to attend due to ill health, however Bill Tom from Cobram graciously stepped in to fill the position.
Finley RSL Sub-branch president Jeff Ward addressed those present and talked of the Anzac Spirit, which is helping your mate out, regardless of the consequences and knowing your mate will do the same for you.
He went on to speak of the importance of seeking help with mental health issues and how this is being addressed by RSL Lifecare.
Fr Fredrik Le Measurier, the Anglican Minister recently appointed to Finley, gave the Chaplain’s address and Benediction before Mr Ward brought the service to a close and issued an invitation to the Gunfire Breakfast at the Finley RS Club.
The mid-morning Anzac Day Service was once again well supported with the police escort leading the march comprised of the catafalque party from Albury, veterans, school children from Finley and Blighty, sporting groups, scouts and members of the Finley Pony Club.
Mr Ward welcomed the large crowd to the service before giving a brief reminder of the history of Gallipoli.
Students from Finley High School, Finley Public School and St. Joseph’s Catholic School were involved in reading of the prayers, followed by guest speaker Lt Ryley Robertson from Albury and the Benediction.
The hymn Abide With Me, the New Zealand and Australian national anthems were led by Catherine Healy, Hailey McLean and Lawrence Walsh, with the trio singing the New Zealand anthem in the native language as well as English.
The service drew to a close with Mr Ward inviting veterans, their families and the public to return to the Finley RS Club for light refreshments.
Singers (from left) Catherine Healy, Lawrence Walsh and Hailey McLean.
Guest speaker Lt Ryley Robertson.
Finley High School captain Roree Wallis, Jeff Ward and Fr Fredrik Le Measurier.
Finley High School captain Sarah Bauer, Jeff Ward and Fr Fredrik Le Measurier.
