A UNIFORMED sailor proudly joined around 40 other marchers along Millicent’s main street on Anzac Day last Thursday morning to honour wartime service and sacrifice.
Leading Seaman Bryden Mouat is currently on leave from HMAS Kuttabul and briefly returned to his home town for the occasion.
The crowds on the footpath cheered the Anzac Day marchers, as well as veterans driven in five vintage cars provided by members of the Mount Gambier Vintage and Veteran Car Club.
Members of the Millicent Legacy Widows Club and Country Fire Service took part in the march as well as many medal-wearing next-of-kin.
After the participants marched down George Street to the Cross of Sacrifice, a service attended by a gathering of 400 was held.
Attending the 35-minute service was World War II veteran Fred Ellis, several Vietnam War veterans as well as other ex-service personnel.
Prayers were offered by newly-appointed Millicent RSL chaplain Pastor Paul Hales and he also read from St John’s Gospel.
The other speakers were Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll OAM and Millicent RSL president Chris Mathias.
Mr Noll described the life of local soldier Captain Harold Armitage who was killed in France around 102 years ago.
He quoted from letters from Captain Armitage about his battle experiences which were first published in The South Eastern Times.
The familiar elements of the Anzac Day commemoration were staged including the singing of Advance Australia Fair, the playing of Last Post and Rouse, the minute’s silence and reciting the Ode of Remembrance.
The national anthem of New Zealand was played and this nation’s flag flew alongside the Australian flag.
Wreaths were laid by veterans, dignitaries, schools and other community groups.
At the conclusion of the service, Mr Mathias thanked all for their attendance.
“It was pleasing to see the good numbers attending the dawn and mid-morning services,” Mr Mathias said.
