AN ESTIMATED 400 people braved wintry weather last Thursday to attend Penola and Coonawarra’s largest Anzac Day service to date, according to Coonawarra and Penola Returned and Services League sub branch president Peter DeGaris.
The early morning service started with Father Michael Romeo reminding attendees of the sacrifices made by the country’s service men and women.
“The cross is the mark of the sacrifice at the heart of Christianity,” Fr Romeo said.
“We can say the cemeteries of the fallen are the heart of our nation of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
“The Anzacs and those who fought and lost their lives lived in order that others may live their lives, so on this day each year we do not so much honour great leaders but we hold up great men and women.”
Mr DeGaris said this year’s service was “very good”.
“What was particularly good was the atmosphere and I believe there were also many tourists who took the time out of their day to attend the ceremony as well,” he said.
The half-hour service was well attended with many children among the crowd.
The Naracoorte horsemen and Penola Coonawarra Caledonian Pipe Band were both in attendance.
“The service was not long at all and it was great to have the horses there,” Mr DeGaris said.
“They were wonderful with the children, allowing them to pat the horses and such and were a fantastic feature.”
Penola’s very own World War II veterans Roen Lynn, Pat Wilson and Stan Wooding also attended the ceremony followed by breakfast at the Coonawarra and Penola RSL.
“We have never had so many people at the RSL as we have this year,” Mr DeGaris said.
“It was fantastic to see.
“All over it was a fantastic service and we are very happy with how it was run.”
