Big Anzac Day crowds at Finley

The guest speaker, Finley Chamber of Commerce president Rick Shaw, gave an address on the importance of ensuring that the younger generations in our community continue to pass down the full tradition and memories of Anzac Day.

Lorraine Edwards filled in at the last moment as Chaplin due to Fr Paul Lu being called home to Vietnam, to be with his mother.

When it came time for the mid-morning service, it was wonderful to see members of the community once again lining the main street to watch the march.

School children and local organisations, lead by the police and catafalque party from Albury/Wodonga Army School of Ordinance, proudly formed up and marched to the Memorial Park for the service.

Guest speaker was Warrant Officer Second Class Jacob Brown, who gave an address covering the losses of loved ones during and after war and expressed his appreciation of being invited to take part in the day’s service.

It was rather fitting that, as the Last Post, Ode and one minute silence was taking place, the sound of what could have been taken as gunfire was, in fact, the sound of the wind reverberating through the sound system.

The lead singer was Craig Hendy and the New Zealand National Anthem was included for the first time then followed by Advance Australia Fair.

At the conclusion of the service, veterans, their families and the Finley public were invited to the RS Club for light refreshments by Sub-branch president Jeff Ward.