Large crowds for Remembrance Day Service in Tea Gardens Myall Coast Myall Coast - popup ad by News Of The Area - Modern Media - November 15, 2023November 15, 2023 The RAAF Catafalque Party of (L-R) Rafael, Gavin, Kieren, Karan, Dakota, Seth and Sgt Troy in front of the Tea Gardens ANZAC Memorial. LARGE crowds gathered at Tea Gardens ANZAC Park for the Remembrance Day service on Saturday, 11 November. Originally called ‘Armistice Day’, Remembrance Day was born on the eleventh hour and day of the eleventh month in 1918, when the guns of WWI finally ceased firing. 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 Embedded in Australia’s cultural psyche, the gathering on this memorial date was a reassuring sight. Local Reverend Richard Goscombe spoke eloquently, asking the question, “What if we do forget?” “Ingratitude and disrespect, hallmarks of an entitled society, would quickly take root, but those who suffered firsthand cannot forget, so let us all continue to remember – Lest We Forget.” RSL sub-Branch Secretary Jenny Ross-Henry, who served in theWomen’s Army Auxiliary Corps in the 1960s, gave history of the evolving role of women in the armed services, from their nursing duties in WWI to today. “33 percent of the ADF is women, undertaking work unheard of 20 years ago.” Tea Gardens RSL sub-Branch Trustee and Treasurer Terry Munright debuted the new service-specific flags, now adorned with symbolic poppies, and the Aboriginal flag representing the indigenous soldiers also at Gallipoli. “We played the New Zealand national anthem for the first time, as without New Zealand there would be no ‘ANZAC’,” Mr Munright announced. The Myall Melodians led the singing of two hymns and both anthems, while the Last Post was bugled by Bill Poole, up from Sydney as he did for ANZAC and Vietnam Veterans’ Days earlier this year. Following the two-minutes’ silence at 11am, the crowd was wowed by the modern fighter jet roaring down the river and screaming across the sky, dipping its wings in skyward salute. RAAF Williamtown also sent 77 Squadron for Catafalque Duty, several from their unit, of ‘Grumpy Monkey’ mascot fame, have been here before, and they currently work on F-35 maintenance and engineering. After the service, Tea Gardens Country Club hosted a free sausage sizzle, and all enjoyed the amazing late-spring weather, with the flag-fluttering breeze keeping temperatures bearable and the bugs away. By Thomas O’KEEFE Reverend Richard Goscombe delivered prayers and oration as flags fluttered in the welcome breeze. Large crowds turned out to remember and honour the fallen. RAAF jet flyover was the pinnacle, its roar heard up and down the river. The Myall Melodians led the hymns and anthem singing. Another beautiful late-spring day in Tea Gardens for Remembrance Day, 2023.
