THE Anzac Day spirit remained alive and well in Mount Gambier this year as the community banded together to honour veterans and the fallen from different locations across the city.
In true Australian fashion, residents across the Limestone Coast found a way to “remember them” despite COVID-19 restrictions forcing many to commemorate the day from their own homes.
The traditional dawn service at Vansittart Park Soldiers’ Memorial still went ahead but was limited to a small group of dignitaries and members.
Mount Gambier Community RSL president Bob Sandow said it was a moving ceremony and the Anzac Day spirit was alive an well despite the unprecedented circumstances faced on Saturday.
“After hearing of the candles in people’s gardens and the other small ceremonies taking place at locations around the city, I truly believe this year has rejuvenated the Anzac Day spirit,” he said.
“Mount Gambier is a great community and they really got behind the veterans.”
There was a small contingent of onlookers at the picturesque Vansittart Park location watching on as the Last Post was sounded and mayors Lynette Martin and Richard Sage addressed the crowd.
“There were a few people among the trees who were probably out on a walk and noticed we were having the service, but they kept their social distance,” Mr Sandow said.
“We cranked the bugle up so it could be heard right across the city – it went very well.”
Limestone Coast Police officer in charge Superintendent Phil Hoff also gave a short speech about the Anzac spirit before eight wreaths were laid by official attendees at the service.
Mr Sandow said he returned to the memorial throughout the day to find dozens of wreaths resting against the memorial and several community members paying their respects.
“A number of veterans visited the memorial throughout the day and I arrived to find a small group of students from McDonald Park Primary School holding their own little service,” he said.
Vietnam War veteran Roman Bucik was one returned serviceman to visit the memorial early on Saturday morning with friends and family.
“Under the circumstances I think everyone has respected the day, because it is a special day for Australia and the returned servicemen,” he said.
“It’s a little bit different without the street parade, but we have just got to remember what it is all about and I most people have done that.”
Among the highlights of the day for Mr Sandow was a performance from a young highland dancer alongside piper Barry Ward.
“Barry Ward played Amazing Grace on the bagpipes at 11am and afterwards he was approached by a young highland dancer asking him to play another tune,” Mr Sandow said.
“She danced as he played and it was a pretty special moment.”
A small service was held at the Boer War Memorial at 9am, which was able to be attended by a handful of veterans and RSL members.
A poignant service held in remembrance of four World War II airmen, who tragically lost their lives close to Mount Gambier, was also held later in the morning at the Lake Terrace East cemetery.
Mr Sandow said 100-year-old World War II veteran Jack Hopgood read the Ode at the service, which was followed by a speech from former RAAF Spitfire pilot and World War II veteran Charlie Miller.
While Anzac Day is usually a chance for veterans to come together at the Mount Gambier Community RSL throughout the day, that was unable to take place on Saturday.
“They have not been able to meet together since this started several weeks ago, which has been difficult,” Mr Sandow said.
“We have been doing a ring around to our veterans and are trying to do the best under the rules, to ensure their well-being.”
Mr Sandow said he was hopeful restrictions would be eased over the coming months and the community would be able to come together at Remembrance
Day.
