A STIRRING rendition of the Last Post by world-renowned jazz musician James Morrison echoed throughout Mount Gambier on Anzac Day.
With his brand new bugle, the iconic performer stepped out onto his driveway to sound the Anzac Day tradition, flanked by the Australian Flag and a symbolic flame.
A modest crowd gathered on the eastern side of Mr Morrison’s street to listen to the perfect rendition of the Last Post just before 6am.
Throughout the minute of silence, another bugle could be heard in the distance, much to the delight of Mr Morrison.
“To finish playing the Last Post and hear these echoes of it around the town was just fantastic and very evocative,” he said.
“One would hope we are not in isolation next year, but I really like this idea of everyone playing it across the town, I think we should keep this as a tradition.”
Mr Morrison said the intention of the concept – which was formed by Brisbane music teacher Alistair Tomkins – was to not let COVID-19 stop everyone from honouring the veterans and the fallen.
“I was with a digger Friday night who is 96 and he said every year at Anzac Day it is like he was back there with his mates,” he said.
“It’s something very special about Australia that it’s not just the old diggers or their families who remember, everybody remembers and it about means more than just remembering those who have fallen in war, it is also a day for being grateful for what we have because of that.”
Reflecting on the poignant moment he had just been a part of, Mr Morrison said it was something he would remember.
“It’s what I do, I play the trumpet for whenever it’s needed, for whatever it’s needed, but you cannot have a better reason than Anzac Day and the Last Post,” he said.
“To see everyone come out on the street here with their candles and to play the Last Post in front of my house is something I have never done before – it was very moving.”
