We remember

GENERATIONS stood side by side to remember and pay their respects at Anzac Day services across the district last Friday.

By Staff Writer

Crowds gathered at various locations across the district last Friday to pay their respects on Anzac Day. Included among guests at the Warrnambool ceremony were, from left, Commander Ronald Trigg from Adelaide, Warrnambool RSL sub-branch president Richard Ridgwell and Major Leigh Brown 8/7 RAR.

Not even the early, cold winds could deter a large crowd from attending a dawn service at the Warrnambool War Memorial and by mid-morning an even bigger crowd gathered for the annual march and service.

Newly elected Warrnambool RSL sub-branch president Richard Ridgwell led the mid-morning service at the memorial as veterans, school students, families and representatives from various community, service and sporting groups stood side by side to remember the fallen and pay tribute to all those who served, and continue to serve, our nation.

“Anzac Day is always a very special and important day for us all and it’s a great honour to play an active role in this day here in Warrnambool,” Mr Ridgwell said.

“Today is of great significance as we gather to remember and pay tribute to all those who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.”

Among the special guests at the Warrnambool service was Commander Ronald Trigg who had travelled from Adelaide for the occasion.

“It’s wonderful to see such a large gathering here in Warrnambool; people of all generations,” he said.

With so many young people present at Friday’s ceremony, confidence was heightened that the Anzac spirit will live on for generations to come.

Included among the youth was 15 year-old bugler (Leading Cadet) Ben Bolton who played a moving rendition of The Last Post.

Wearing his great grandfather Benjamin Whitwell’s medals, Ben said he was absolutely honoured to play such an important role in the service.

“My great grandfather was a signalman in the second world war so Anzac Day always holds special significance for me,” he said.

“I have a passion for military history and have been playing the bugle for the past five years.

“We moved to Warrnambool in 2021 and I’ve been an active member of the Air Force Cadets here since then. Last year I was a flag bearer so to play The Last Post this year is very special.

“It is also a great honour to be representing the Cadets.”

Members of the Warrnambool and District Pipes and Drums earlier led a procession along Liebig Street to the memorial where crowds gathered to watch and cheer as war veterans marched, along with members of the Air Force and Army cadets, school groups, guides, scouts and various community groups and service organisations.

Throughout the morning a large number of floral arrangements were laid including those from Warrnambool City mayor Ben Blain, veterans’ groups, schools and emergency services personnel among others.

Special Anzac Day services were also held at various locations across the district including at nearby Dennington where around 300 people enjoyed a service.

This was led by Wollaston Ward councillor Richard Ziegler, along with students from Emmanuel, Brauer and Warrnambool colleges.

Earlier in the day, many people enjoyed a community breakfast.