Time to reflect

REMEMBERING: Vansittart Park gardener Dan Jevtic and Mount Gambier Community Returned and Services League president Bob Sandow prepare for the Anzac Day services.
REMEMBERING: Vansittart Park gardener Dan Jevtic and Mount Gambier Community Returned and Services League president Bob Sandow prepare for the Anzac Day services.

SILENCE will fall over Mount Gambier tomorrow as people young and old come together to remember those who gave their life for the country.

Anzac Day services will spread across the city with thousands of residents expected to pay respect to the soldiers who selflessly fought for a better future.

Starting with a Dawn Service at Vansittart Park, Mount Gambier Community Returned and Services League president Bob Sandow said there were plenty of opportunities for people to help commemorate Australia’s heroes.

“There will be the Boer War and airmen’s services as well as the mid-morning service,” he said.

“This is an important time to recognise these brave soldiers for their contributions and honour those who gave us the lifestyle we have today.”

Today, as part of Kapyong Day, a special service will be held at Vansittart Park to remember those who served in Korea.

“We have one local lad, Roy Underwood, who returned from war in 1952 and is still with us today,” Mr Sandow said.

“To commemorate the many soldiers who fought in the Korean War we will place white crosses under the lone pine tree in Vansittart Park.

“Students from Reidy Park Primary School will be present to help with the service.”

Recognising local school children for their contribution to Anzac Day, Mr Sandow said it was great to see young people interested in the history of their ancestors.

“This year we have Moorak Primary School helping with the airmen’s service and Compton Primary with the Boer War service,” he said.

“We just need to find a school that will look after the new cemetery Carinya Gardens and our local hero Tony Casadio.

“Any schools wishing to volunteer and mentor on Anzac Day projects are most welcome.”

The dawn service will take place from 6.15am with further services over the course of the morning.

“No matter what the weather, we encourage people to come along and pay respect to the fallen soldiers,” Mr Sandow said.