Lasting legacy of sacrifice: Merrigum Anzac Day service

By Gianni Francis

Apr 25, 2022

Wreath laying: Marie and Hunter O’Brien. Hunter’s great-great-grandfather was an Anzac.

Act of respect: Abbey Speed of Merrigum Primary School and the 1st Kyabram Scouts laid a wreath at yesterday’s ceremony.

Lest we forget: Naval Warrant Officer Ian Waller gives an address during the service.

Flag at half mast: The Merrigum war memorial.

Merrigum residents honoured the sacrifice of the original 1915 Anzacs and the inspiring legacy they left for succeeding generations of men and women who serve the community and their country.

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Naval Warrant Officer Ian Waller reflected on a letter sent home by Second Lieutenant David Martin Gillies of the 15th Australian Infantry Battalion, who fought at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915.

“I don’t know how ever our boys got ashore at all,” he wrote.

“They had to land under fire from rifles, machine-guns and shrapnel.

“They jumped out of boats up to their waists in water, fixed bayonets, charged straight up a hill nearly as straight as a wall.”

Warrant Officer Waller honoured the almost 103,000 service personnel who have given their lives in the line of duty.

“For a century we have drawn courage from those original great-hearted Anzacs like Second Lt Gillies,” he said.

“Whether we wear a uniform or not, or have ever done so, all of us owe the original 1915 Anzacs and those who have served after them respect and remembrance.

“We can remember them by living our lives in their spirit of looking out for those among us who need a hand up, through care for our families and service to our community.

“On this Anzac Day we honour the sacrifice of all those men and women who lost their lives, far from home in the last 100 years, so that Australian and New Zealand may remain places of peace and liberty.”