AN ALREADY solemn Anzac Day commemoration was made even more sombre this year, with COVID-19 restrictions forcing the cancellation of Penola’s commemorative services.
Penola and Coonawarra residents did not let social distancing restrictions stop them from paying respect to the fallen, with individuals rising at dawn and conducting their own service from their driveways.
Poppies decorated the heart of Penola, with the Penola Terra Rossa Country Women’s Association (CWA) branch installing a display at the town’s War Memorial Park.
The bright red artwork, comprising of more than 3000 knitted, crocheted, felted and material poppies, was fixed on a tree trunk and fell to the base, giving the effect of a poppy cascade.
Together, 24 women assembled the poppy wall in 20 months, with each individual poppy taking around one and a half hours to make before the display was assembled and installed on Friday.
During the day, residents visited the memorial to lay a wreath for the fallen soldiers, while others created wreathes and signs to display outside their homes.
Coonawarra and Penola Returned Service League (RSL) president Peter De Garis said there were a number of residents standing at their driveways during the 6am call of the Last Post.
“The community did a wonderful job to commemorate Anzac Day and their support on the day, although a little strange, shows the community are honouring those who have fallen,” Mr De Garis said.
“The poppy wall created by the Terra Rossa CWA is fantastic and there are a lot of hours put into it which has also been gifted to the RSL to be used at the appropriate times.
“We really appreciate their efforts and it just helps give more to the memorial area.”
Tandara Lodge residents had an opportunity to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice as the Penola Pipe Band performed outside the nursing home at 11am on Saturday to play the Last Post.
Band president Neil McLean said the experience was unforgettable.
“It did turn out to be more of an occasion than what we originally thought and it really was above and beyond what I thought it would be,” Mr McLean said.
“Residents thoroughly enjoyed the performance and they were spread out among the lodge area with some even bringing out chairs to listen to it.
“Playing the bagpipes is a wonderful way to commemorate and remember those and what they have done during the last few wars but we are living in extraordinary times and I do believe some felt quite empty with not being able to gather on an occasion like this.”
The pipers were also joined by a community member who played the Last Post on the bugle before the group joined in unison to sing the national anthem.
