Large crowds drawn to commemorate ANZAC Day at Sawtell Coffs Coast Coffs Coast - popup ad Coffs Coast News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - May 3, 2024 Sawtell RSL sub-Branch Secretary Dallas Burrage, President Pat ‘Paddy’ Magann and Treasurer Martin Blandy. ANZAC Day was commemorated with pride in Sawtell, with large crowds attending services at the Lyle Rose RSL Memorial Park. President of the Sawtell RSL sub-Branch, Pat ‘Paddy’ Magann, officiated on the day. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au Paddy served in the Army with the Second Battalion in Vietnam in 1970/71. “It was fortunately an ANZAC battalion, having two companies of Kiwis serve with us at the same time, so it’s an emotional day for me, casting my mind back to that. “Plus, my Father was in World War Two in the Navy and his brother, my uncle, was a Kokoda Track veteran,” Paddy said. Many locals attended both the Dawn Service and the Commemoration Service. “Today has been outstanding – the crowd at the main service and at the Dawn Service blew me away.” “I’ve never seen that many people there. “You couldn’t see the back of the crowd.” Dallas Burrage, who serves as Secretary of the local RSL sub-Branch, echoed Paddy’s sentiments. “It’s very gratifying to see a bigger crowd than we’ve ever seen before, and still supporting Anzac Day with the way the world’s going at the moment with all this conflict.” Many schools participated, including children from Mary Help of Christians Primary School at Sawtell, who marched, drummed and sang at the commemoration. Katie Moss, their choir teacher, was delighted with the hard work they put into rehearsing for this special day. “The choir sang here last time too. “They are a beautiful dedicated choir and they pick things up quickly.” Veterans and their families and friends thronged to the town afterwards to enjoy their time together and, no doubt, some stayed at the RSL for a game of two-up after lunch. By Mary KEILY Sawtell Public School students ready to lay a wreath in remembrance. The march being led to the Lyle Rose RSL Memorial Park. Bugler Cathy McIntyre and piper Craig Neill. Sawtell RSL sub-Branch members march proudly. Drummers on Second Avenue. Lest We Forget. A large crowd appreciated the service.
