CELEBRATING ANZAC DAY IN ESK 2022

 Piper Joe McGhee with  the 2/14 Light Horse Regiment Q.M.I

The temperature dipped to an unexpected twenty degrees and umbrellas appeared as the order of the day but it was not so much the blustery weather that caused the chills this ANZAC day in Esk but the sight and sounds of Piper Joe McGhee leading the Catafalque Party of young soldiers from the 2/14 Light Horse Regiment Q.M.I. and a handful of veterans who marched with the pride of their once youthful enthusiasm which had them springing to the defence of their country; now a little slower but no less impassioned as they found their places around Esk’s Memorial Park and the Cenotaph, an honour roll of names connected to this town, surely names familiar to many.

At 11.00am, generations of families and friends bearing poppies and Aussie flags gathered under humble shelters where they could and others where they couldn’t to be present as one and pay homage to those who served when they didn’t have to; many adorned with the medals of their ancestors, solemn recognition of these family members, men and women in uniform, who have served their nation on battle fronts in many parts of the world.

Rob Rye, affectionately known as ‘Somalia Rob’ who has now filled the historically unique shoes of Esk RSL past President, Charlie Elwell, gave an impassioned welcome to the gathering so grateful to be together on this day.  Choir members, Sue and Maree were once more honoured to perform the anthems of New Zealand and Australia, heralding the speeches and poems so eloquently presented by members of the RSL. Guest speaker, Sophie Lawrence, co-captain of Toogoolawah High School, articulated with poise the reasons for celebrating what was essentially the failure of an eight-month campaign on the shores of Gallipoli but a victory for determination, resilience, courage, loyalty, and self-sacrifice, qualities which have endured throughout the many campaigns over the decades.

Prayers by Pastor Gordon to an inter-denominational assembly were interspersed with familiar hymns sung with gusto by those with the words on their programmes.  On this day, guided by Alexis and, despite the inclement weather, the faultless accompaniment by Margaret, the singing by the Esk Community Choir of Hymn for ANZAC Day and the poignant piece by Brisbane composer Tim Sherlock, The Soul of Australia, each giving deeper meaning to the lyrics which speak of the sacrifices and celebrate the freedoms Australians have been afforded by so many.

A kaleidoscope of colourful wreaths was placed at the cenotaph by representatives of many organizations in respect of the lives lost.  A quiet affair, its periods of silence broken eventually by the sounds of ‘The Last Post’ and ‘Reveille’ by bugler Matthew Lukritz stirring emotions seemingly on a par with the muted gathering of the Veterans and service men and women at the foot of the cenotaph, a silence in salute to their fallen and wounded comrades.

While literary constraints limit the mention here of the many places where Australians and New Zealanders have been involved in wars and conflicts on the world stage since the ANZAC legend was born in 1915, no matter where Aussies may be scattered across the globe, they are never far from the ANZAC story.  On the 25^{th of} April in Esk and across the world, Australians come together as one nation to capture the ANZAC spirit of quiet courage and mateship and cherish it for the legacy it has bestowed.

By: Sue Walker