THE 2017 service will have special significance in town, according to Denman RSL Sub-Branch honorary secretary John Cox.
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“This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Anzac Day ceremony itself,” he explained.
“A Chaplain in Western Australia started it all in 1917 before the Diggers took over.
“Although it’s mentioned on the RSL website, the importance of the milestone has gone under the radar a bit.”
Mr Cox said plans for Anzac Day at Denman were progressing well.
“We like to keep the ceremony simple,” he said.
“Our numbers have been building steadily over the past decade, which is a bit of a surprise to us.
“Even five years ago, about 40 or 50 people attended the Dawn Service.
“Now, we’re getting anywhere between 200 and 300.
“We also have a crowd of 500 to the noon service.”
Mr Cox added community spirit came to the fore on Anzac 25.
“We have serving and ex-service personnel involved, along with local residents, Scouts and school groups,” he said.
“The Denman Lions and Rotary clubs also provide breakfasts and lunches for a minimal fee.
“All the money raised goes back to Legacy, which cares for around 70,000 widows and 1900 children and disabled dependants throughout Australia.
“The [local] service clubs do a tremendous job.
“In 2016, they raised between $3500 and $4000, which was a record amount.”
Anzac Day at Denman
6am: Dawn Service at Memorial Park, Paxton Street. Serving, ex-service personnel and the general public are invited to attend. A light breakfast will be available after the Dawn Service at the RSL club (Thornton Room)
11am: Combined Church Memorial Service at St Matthias Church, Palace Street
11.40am: All serving, ex-service personnel, school groups, Scouts are asked to assemble in Palace Street at the conclusion of the church service. The March coordinator, identified by a red armband, will assist all if required in forming up for the March behind the band and Catafalque party
11.50am: March steps off - north along Palace Street, to Ogilvie Street, thence west to Paxton Street, through to Memorial Park.
Noon: Anzac Day ceremony, wreath-laying and guest speaker and Last Post at Memorial Park
1pm: At conclusion of ceremony, everyone is invited to lunch at the Denman RSL Club provided by the Denman service clubs (for a small fee). Any further enquires to Sub–Branch honorary secretary John Cox on 0429 307 965