Darcy Pyle of Berrigan with Jeff Ward at the dawn service.
As the eerie sound of piper Bill Tom playing the lament broke through the darkness just before dawn on Anzac Day, a large crowd gathered at Finley Memorial Park to remember those who had made the ultimate sacrifice.
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So began the first of three commemorative services in Finley to remember fallen service personnel and those who are still serving to give us the freedom we have today.
What appeared to be larger numbers at both the dawn and day services is an indication of the legacy of Anzac Day which continues to be carried through the generations, evidenced by the number of young students and adults who participated in the proceedings.
Finley RSL Sub-branch president Jeff Ward thanked those in attendance at the dawn service and invited them to join him at the Finley RS Club for the traditional ‘Gunfire Breakfast’.
One particular young man, Darcy Pyle, made a special trip from Berrigan to attend the dawn service in Finley to remember and acknowledge the contribution made by his great grandfather Norm Wilson, who served as a gunner in World War II and was among the assembled allied service personnel witnessing the signing of the surrender document by the Japanese on September 9, 1945.
Then, at about 10.15am, members of various local organisations and school students began to form up at the corner of Ulupna and Murray St before moving off in the march, led by the local police, to the cenotaph at the Memorial Park.
Once again, jeeps supplied by Bob Bevan and Kelvin Baxter were used to transport veterans and preschool students during the march.
Catholic Priest Father Prasanth Mary Das was the chaplain at both the dawn and day services; his first experience of being involved with Anzac Day since coming to Australia from India some 12 months ago.
“I feel extremely privileged to have been included in such an important community occasion,” he said.
Guest speaker Lieutenant Kelsey Cuttriss.
Students from Finley High School, Finley Public School, Finley’s St Joseph’s School and Blighty Public School all participated with readings which were well received by the public, as was Catherine Healy and Lawrence Walsh leading the public with singing the New Zealand and Australian National Anthems.
Guest speaker, Lieutenant Kelsey Cuttriss, gave an extremely enlightening talk on what Anzac Day means to her, and she was accompanied on the day by a very efficient catafalque party.
After the Anzac Day service, veterans and members of their families were invited to join the local RSL Sub-branch at the Finley RS Club for drinks and light refreshments.
An additional commemoration service was held on Saturday evening, at the request of the executive and members of the Finley Football Netball Club who had a home game taking place against Mulwala.
Play was interrupted at about 6pm for a short service before the senior team took to the field, wearing special Anzac Day jumpers purchased for the occasion.
Mr Ward gave an interesting talk on how members of Finley Football Club families have also been involved in serving their country.
Anglican Father Frederik Le Mesurier, Finley RSL Sub-branch president Jeff Ward, Catholic Father Prasanth Mary Das at the dawn service.
This included Earnest Robb who served in France in WWI.
His grandsons - the Scoulllars and Hawkins’ - have played for Finley for many years, and now his great grandsons continue representing the Finley club.
The Horneman family, Wells and Jones families have also been involved in Finley Football Club, as well as being represented in the services.
No doubt there are many more families who have similar stories.
Mr Ward thanks the Finley community and surrounding areas for the incredible support the RSL Sub-branch has received over the past week - the selling of Anzac badges and memorabilia at Finley IGA (which were sold out), the assistance given to the street stall on Friday, the collection taken up at the Anzac Day service, the FFNC who generously gave a donation from gate takings, and the hospitality extended to members of the RSL Sub-branch during the game.
“I am extremely grateful for the manner in which this community continues to acknowledge and support the sub-branch in so many ways,” he said.
Finley RSL Sub-branch president Jeff Ward and FFNC president Matt Clarke.
A short service was held during the Finley Cats and Mulwala twilight game on Anzac Day.
Piper Bill Tom at the dawn service.
Sun-branch vice president Jim White and president Jeff Ward with Blighty School students Mackenzie and Liam. Surnames not provided due to school policy.
