ANZAC DAY CELEBRATION IN ESK

by Sue Walker

Though the population of Esk may be tiny compared to the thousands who lined the streets of Capital Cities or filled the places at magnificent shrines now standing in Gallipoli and France, the spirit of the ANZACs was no less felt by the record numbers who attended the commemorations held at the Cenotaph in Esk Memorial Park on April 25th.

Paying their respects to the soldiers of war, many locals attended the Dawn Service which signaled the beginning of a day to mark the 100 years since those Australian and New Zealand soldiers scrambled ashore on that Turkish beach. Soldiers whose spirits have moved generations ever since.  As the sun rose over Mt Brisbane to shine on the day, the parade of local veterans and descendants of men and women who fought on the many fields of war, marching to the beat of the brilliant City of Brisbane Pipe Band, made their way down the main street to join the record numbers who gathered for the very moving ceremony hosted by Esk's RSL President, Charlie Elwell.

A flyover by F/A 18 Super Hornets from the RAAF, Amberley, heralded the singing of the Australian and New Zealand Anthems by Maree Landsdown and Sue Walker, followed then by the heart-felt welcoming addresses by Charlie Elwell and Mayor Graeme Lehmann. Prayers and inspiring poems were delivered alongside the Esk Community Choir who paid tribute in hymn and song. Included in these was the singing of "The Soul of Australia", a stirring piece written by Brisbane's Tim Sherlock, a song also sung this year by his own Choir to the masses who gathered at Gallipoli.

Father Hegarty's moving Prayer for the Fallen was followed by an address by Guest speaker, Dr Tony FitzGerald, Esk's longest serving member of the Esk Sub-Branch of the RSL and a time honoured and respected resident of the town. Dr. FitzGerald eloquently delivered a poignant reflection of the courage of the ANZACs during which he alluded to the heroism of soldiers from Esk. The gravesites of these men were recently sought and identified in a field close to Villers Bretonneux, France, and their names are proudly engraved amongst the many on Esk's truly magnificent monument. The Vale was followed by a solemn Laying of The Wreaths and the always emotive act of remembrance, The Last Post, followed by Reveille, played faultlessly by Matthew Lukritz. Father Hegarty's final benediction and the ceremonious departure of the Catafalque Party saw the crowd disperse to enjoy the day ... to reflect on history and to rise to challenges made easier for many by those who in 1915 and since, courageously rose to theirs.

LEST WE FORGET

                                                    

The ANZAC Day march through Esk led by Charlie Elwell

   City of Brisbane Pipe Band

                                                                             

    Esk Community Choir

                                                                                 

Recreation of Simpson and His Donkey - Joshua

                                                             

The Riderless Horse, ANZAC Parade Esk 2015