Key Speaker Darren Doolan saluting after laying a wreathe
Silence rang throughout Junee during the ANZAC Service, only interrupted by the sound of Shane Logan’s trumpet playing the Last Post. At the Junee Cenotaph at 10:30 am today, hundreds of townsfolk, veterans, families and important figures all shared a singular moment in which they remembered the fallen.
The ANZAC Day main service by the Junee RSL Sub-Branch has always been a big day for them, but big doesn’t quite represent the purpose and respect held by the small town today.
The march involved both veterans and schoolchildren alongside police and ambulance with other people as they went to Railway Square and then the Cenotaph where Greg Zakharoff, President of the Junee RSL Sub-Branch opened it.
Mr Zakharoff was pleased with the turnout at the Main Service and the fact the Dawn Service was packed too.
“There’s was a good crowd, it was bigger than last year. It was just lovely to see everything coming together. I’m very proud of the team. Without them helping, we could never get this done. We also must pay our dues to Council and to the Mayor. They put in a lot of effort to helping us out,” he said.
“The Dawn Service was good. We had about 350 people here roughly. It was very cold, but we all got through it and those that were here appreciated it. I was surprised at the amount of children involved and this is what it’s all about. That’s our heritage.
“There were 42 wreathes from organisations across town and that speaks volumes of support. It is important to the specific clubs and organisations for they had members who may have been ex-services or relatives or whatever the case may be. It’s their day to remember and that’s what it’s all about.”
Mr Zakharoff invited local schoolchildren to read Flanders Field before Luke Collings said a prayer.
Mayor Bob Callow spoke at the Service about the importance of the servicemen across history and today before he handed it over to the key speaker, Darren Doolan.
Mr Doolan was honoured to speak at the event.
“I served at RAAF base Wagga and then to Canberra. It was back and forth a couple of times, but in the process of doing that, my family remained here. I’m here not only as a current serving defence member but equally as a local community member. It’s an absolute honour and a privilege to be part of this,” he said.
“Seeing people gather around from all walks of life, taking their time to be able to sit back and reflect on what the significance of the day is, that’s quite humbling.”
Many people across Junee and surrounding areas laid their wreathes and paid their respects.
The Last Post was played as everyone shared a minute silence before sharing a prayer by Reverend David Hilliard.
That concluded what was a sombre service fitting for a day such as ANZAC Day.
Jack Murray