Good attendance at Eudunda ANZAC Service
Some 180 residents of the Southern Goyder region of Eudunda, Robertstown and districts gathered at the Eudunda War Memorial for the dawn service on the 25th April, ANZAC Day.
L-R: Brian Kirby (President Eudunda RSL Sub Branch), Pastor Mal McCann
Eudunda RSL President Brian Kirby welcomed attendees on what was a surprisingly warm and still morning. He spoke of the 111th anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) troops at Gallipoli, Turkey.
Mr Kirby noted that about 2,000 Australians were killed or wounded on the first day; by the time they were evacuated eight months later, more than 8,700 Australians and 2,700 New Zealanders had been killed. In total, about 130,000 soldiers from all sides lost their lives during the Gallipoli campaign.
Mr Kirby explained that ANZAC Day has been one of the most important days in Australia’s calendar since 1916. Originally, it honoured the Australians and New Zealanders who fought at Gallipoli. It later became a day to recognise those who served in the First World War. It now honours the Second World War and subsequent conflicts and peacekeeping operations. ANZAC Day now honours all who have served in our nation’s uniform. We honour the values of the original ANZACs – loyalty, selflessness and courage.
More than 100,000 Australian service personnel have lost their lives in military operations carried out in our country’s name.
The service was conducted by Pastor Mal McCann of Gawler and he spoke of the anguish and worry of those who waited at home not knowing the fate of their loved ones serving away. He said, “We need to also embrace the fact that when our military personnel are deployed spouses, parents, grandparents change their plans so they can shoulder the added load in an attempt to fill that space created. We saw in World War II such organisation such as the ‘Land Army’ do amazing and unsung work to cover their husbands, dads, brothers, their sons who had gone to war, the reality is they were all in the fight together. We must embrace the fact that when there is death, organisations such as Legacy take up the long term labour of sacrifice. Greater love has no-one than this.”
Wreaths and tributes were led by the Eudunda RSL Sub-Branch, followed by the Robertstown RSL Sub-Branch.
L-R: Milly Roebuck, Kayla Krause, Nellie Mepstead, Tarkyn Schutz
Wreaths and tributes were also laid by numerous community groups, including the Julia & Districts War Memorial Hall, Eudunda & Districts Probus Club, Eudunda CFS, Eudunda Family Heritage Gallery, Neales Flat Country Fire Service, SA Ambulance Service Eudunda Station, Eudunda Community, Business & Tourism Committee, Eudunda & Robertstown Football Club, Eudunda & Robertstown Netball Club, Regional Council of Goyder, Eudunda Area School, Australian Red Cross Eudunda Branch, Eudunda Bowling Club, Eudunda & Districts Agricultural & Horticultural Society, and the Merchant Navy Association of South Australia.
The hymn Lead Kindly Light was sung by the gathering.
Attendees were then asked to “stand fast” for the Last Post and the Ode. The bugle call and the words of the Ode served as a solemn reminder of the occasion:
“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.”
The crowd responded: “We will remember them.”
During the minute’s silence, attendees reflected quietly as they stood in the memorial garden.
The national anthems of New Zealand and Australia were then sung with strong participation, bringing the service to a close.
Photos were taken.
Uniformed ex-service personnel and community groups later formed up on Gunn Street and marched to the Eudunda RSL rooms.
Spectators gathered along the edge of the Centenary Gardens, applauding those who marched in recognition of their service.
Thanks go to the Eudunda Garden Volunteers for the care of the gardens, to Regional Council of Goyder staff for organising road closures during the march, and to RSL Committee and volunteers who provided light refreshments, including cakes, coffee and the bar.
Lest we forget.
Eudunda Hostel Service
Additionally the Eudunda ANZAC Dawn Service was videoed and along with photos to be shown to the residents at the Eudunda Hostel so they had the opportunity to remember those who served.
Lest We Forget!
A great reference to the sacrifices of our Service Men & Women can be found at
Australian War Memorial website
Hear Australian singer Kamahl reciting J. M. Abbott’s heart felt poem ‘The Soul of Australia’ about the birth of ANZAC. (click below).
