Hail holds out for ANZAC parade

A HAILSTORM held off just long enough for viewers and participants to experience an especially memorable ANZAC parade and ceremony in Yass today.

The occasion was well attended with a particularly large crowd enjoying a break in the recent chilly weather.

The 5.45am Dawn Service also attracted a stronger crowd than previous years this morning, with about 300 people.

Yass RSL sub-branch president, Colonel Neil Turner, opened the ceremony, saying it was an immortal day “when the young men of Australia by their deeds and sacrifice demonstrated to the world at Gallipoli that Australia was truly a nation”.

“The sons and daughters of ANZACs came forward without question, accepted gladly, and discharged fully their responsibilities during World War II, Korea, Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam, the Gulf, Timor, Afghanistan, Iraq, the war against terrorism and as members of our peace keeping forces throughout the world,” he said.

“On this day, we remember the sacrifice of such men and women for an ideal, for a way of life.

“Let us take strength in the knowledge and hope that our sons and daughters will never forget the example set by their forefathers.

“In our everyday life let us endeavour to carry on those traditions established in past wars and conflicts at such a tragic cost.”

Reverends David Stuart and Judy Heggart, and Father Mick Burke, offered prayers of thanksgiving, for the queen and for the nation before Siobahn McGrath launched into a haunting rendition of Amazing Grace (powering on despite a throat infection, no less).

Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps Captain Patricia Kennedy RN. CM. (retired) had the crowd chuckling within minutes of taking the podium, drawing attention to the lone New Zealander brave enough to put up his hand as she requested.

“In best military tradition, Gallipoli Company Royal Military College Duntroon has presented admirably, I actually knew the place quite well.

“When my brother-in-law was an instructor in the 1980s, my sister and I used to put our young sons – we had four altogether between us – into the maze for a few hours, as our house was directly opposite the Commandant’s residence.

“They all got out!”

“When asked to be your guest speaker on this, the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing, the birth of the ANZAC legend and Australia taking her place on the world stage, I accepted this honour with humility and pleasure.”

She had fond memories of visiting Yass.

“Yass has been multicultural before the word became fashionable. Since European settlers, Chinese immigrants arrived and joined the indigenous Ngunnawal community.

It’s position on the main road between Sydney and Melbourne turned it into a stop for travellers to rest and replenish supplies. That has not changed.

“Yass was also under consideration as the National Capital.”

She said country towns and communities such as Yass bore the brunt of the impact of two world wars, the Depression and other hardships.

“It is significant to note the numbers of men and women in Yass who served in the military in World War I and World War II and subsequent conflicts. Could the local hospital afford to have the registered staff reduced by six?” This was the number of nurses deployed from the area in the first World War.

“Records show that in some families, up to five male members left on active service.”

“This is unimaginable to most of us. We pay special tribute to these service personnel today. And let us also remember those who sustained and enriched the community while the men were away.”

Returned and Ex-Service personnel, serving personnel, war widows from Yass/Boorowa Legacy Group, Yass and District Historical Society, the Clergy, the traditional owners of Ngunnawal land, the Yass High School Band, Canberra Celtic Pipe Band, Yass Rotary Club, Edward Alley, Yass Guides and Brownies, 1st Yass Venturers and Scouts, all Yass schools, Military vehicle owners and drivers and the emergency services were also involved in the day.

Less than an hour after the ceremony concluded, hail stones about 3cm in diameter littered the ground, in stark contrast to a gloriously sunny parade down Comur Street at 10.30am.

For complete galleries, please click here or visit the “Gallery” tab on the front page.