Murrurundi Marches on ANZAC Day

By Des Dugan

ANZAC Day in Murrurundi was witnessed by a crowd of well over 200 including local identities, schoolchildren and dignitaries.

The ANZAC Day parade in Murrurundi.

The march from Adelaide Street to the Memorial Gates at the local Bowling Club on the New England Highway was led by Don Adams who was celebrating 60 years in the Returned Servicemen’s League.

A cake was cut on his behalf at the informal lunch held at the Bowling Club after the march and ceremony.

March music was supplied by the Royal Hotel’s sound system mounted on the back of the company truck.

The prologue was delivered by Dakota from Scone High School which told the gathering “our fundamental purpose of today has been and should continue to be, to pay homage to our veterans and those who gave their lives.

“In doing to, we ensure recognition by our youth that peace and freedom have always required a sacrifice in the past,” said Dakota.

“Those we honour have left to Australia a tradition of courage, selfishness and a fine reputation to follow for the future,” she said.

Guest for the day was Flight Lieutenant Ross Bowman who said “we need the spirit of ANZAC more so today” referring to the roles the services are called upon in the Middle East.

There were several wreaths laid including the RSL wreath which was placed on the cenotaph by the chapter’s newest recruit, Tony Blaze — a Vietnam veteran.

As usual the Light Horse enactment troop took up the tail of the march complete with a WWII jeep towing Murrurundi’s WWI gun and limber.

During the ceremony the Murrurundi and Blandford schools delivered a rousing and animated rendition of Road to Gundagai.