Perfect weather and the thought of remembering the service men and women who served their country and came home, were wounded or gave their lives in the line of duty, drew a large crowd to the ANZAC Day dawn and 11am services in Lakes Entrance.
Both services have their own poignant meaning to those attending, perhaps the dawn service being more for personal reflection and the 11am service a community togetherness.
There was a large contingent of representatives from local schools, emergency services, veterans, clubs and the public who chose to march from the RSL to the cenotaph.
The Catafalque Party from RAAF Base Sale was four young trainee pilots, who stood on guard at the cenotaph with much precision.
Emcee for the service was Lakes Entrance RSL’s Tony Webb who took on the role with dignity and warm humour.
He welcomed all veterans and thanked the RAAF for their ongoing support.
Newly appointed president of the Lakes Entrance RSL Peter Tunnage spoke of the one day that binds the nations of Australia and New Zealand together.
“These links can be traced back to the New South Wales Militia that served in New Zealand during the Maori wars,” Mr Tunnage said.
“Since then, we have served alongside each other in both combat and peace keeping roles. This ANZAC cooperation continues to this day and is a source of both great pride and honour to those who continue to serve these two great nations in the pursuit of freedom and democracy.
“We thank them for their service and dedicate this day to those who lost their lives or were wounded pursuing these principles.
“So, through Churchill’s excess of imagination, a layman’s ignorance of artillery and the fatal power of a young enthusiast to convince older and more cautious brains, the Tragedy of Gallipoli was born.
“Nothing can alter what happened now. ANZAC stood and still stands for reckless valour, resourcefulness, fidelity, comradeship, and endurance that will never admit defeat,” he said.
Guest speaker from RAAF East Sale was Lieutenant Thomas Snow (RAN) who spoke of honouring those who served and noted the remarkable sacrifice of one local World War I soldier Harry Thorpe.
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In 1916, Corporal Thorpe MM was one of an estimated 800 to 1000 Aboriginal people
who volunteered to enlist
in WWI.
His name is inscribed on a memorial in Lakes Entrance, where a street called Thorpe’s Lane is also named in
his honour.
He was born to William and Lilian Thorpe at the Lake Tyers Mission.
He enlisted with the Australian Imperial Force and joined 17th reinforcements to the
7th Battalion.
Harry joined the rest of his battalion in the field on the Western Front.
The 7th Battalion was in close reserve during the fighting at Pozières. He was evacuated with a gunshot wound to his leg and shell shock.
After recovering from his injuries, Harry was promoted to lance corporal. He went on to fight in the battle of Bullecourt, where he was again wounded, this time suffering a gunshot wound to the shoulder.
That same year, Harry was involved in the operations near Ypres in Belgium.
He assisted his company commander in the dangerous job of seeking out German infantry hiding in dugouts and pill boxes.
His great courage and leadership earned him a Military Medal and a promotion to corporal. His citation read, “By his splendid example and disregard of all danger he inspired those under him.”
On August 8 the Allies began their major offensive for 1918.
The day after the advance began the 7th Battalion was hurriedly moved forward to join the fight at Lihons Wood in France, where Harry Thorpe was wounded for the third and final time.
He died aged 34.
After Lt Snow’s speech St Brendan’s Primary students Sadie Williams and Leon Alwyn read a poem written by the grade six class.
Other contributors on the day were Michael Collins, Jill Douglas, Rev Oakley, Pastor Carlisle, Father Nguyen and Stephen Ivanczuk.
Tony Webb thanked the Nowa Nowa Men’s Choir and Lyn Carlisle who provided the music for the ceremony.
of Legacy.
