On ANZAC Day Mylestom acknowledged the bravery of soldiers through the decades Coffs Coast Coffs Coast by News Of The Area - Modern Media - May 5, 2023 North Beach Club at Mylestom hosted an ANZAC Day service that many believe was the best they’d experienced with a programme that acknowledged bravery and service without glorifying war. Photo: Karen Hislop. LOCALS from Repton, Raleigh and Mylestom turned out in force in the cold, damp pre-dawn of Tuesday morning not to glorify war but to honour those who have served and fought for their country. Earlier in the year the North Beach Recreation and Bowling Club had built a small cenotaph in the grounds and this was the focal point of the service, which commenced with the plaintive sound of bagpipes played by Lindsay Morley followed by Light Horsewoman Chrissy Lewis mounted on her horse Slim. 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 Major Dianne Hutchinson and Major Emma Palmer of the Royal Australian Nursing Corps organised the program and Major Hutchinson welcomed visitors and introduced speakers. Acknowledging the bravery of soldiers through the decades, local resident Eric Friskin WO2 (Retired) read the evocative poem ‘Battle of Long Tan’ written by Mal Lysons of D Company Vietnam, which describes a fierce battle where “As night fell on the battlefield and rain still pelting down, our Diggers fought with courage in the rain-soaked battleground”. In her address, Lt Col (Retired) Dr Susan Lumsdaine also spoke of the war in Vietnam and the terrible conditions endured by the soldiers of both sides. The Lt Col’s address was followed fittingly by the John Schumann song ‘I was only 19’, which tells the story of a young man’s experience of the Vietnam War. It was just coming daylight as representatives of various organisations and children from Repton School laid wreaths on the cenotaph, followed by Matt Foster LCP (Retired) presenting the Ode of Remembrance. Bugler Allan March sounded the haunting ‘Last Post’ as the sky cleared and blue shone through as the many attendees of all ages lent their voices to a hearty rendition of the national anthem. Following the service, North Beach club staff welcomed visitors for a complimentary breakfast of bacon and egg rolls with coffee and tea. In conversations over a cuppa many expressed their appreciation for the well-planned programme and thoughtful presentations. By Susan KONTIC
