In the dim pre-dawn light, more than 200 community members gathered at the monument in Hutton St, Bogan Gate to commemorate Anzac Day. The Trundle Troop of the 6th Light Horse presented ‘Eyes Right’ to commence the commemoration. Anzac Day Committee chairperson, Mark Judson, opened the ceremony with a poignant acknowledgement of the Battle of Long Tan of the Vietnam War and the 75th Anniversary of the Kokoda Campaign. Reverend Brian Schmalkuche led the prayers for all touched by the tragedy of war.
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Youth speaker, Charlie Umbers, a Shore Grammar School Year 12 student, outlined the contribution, and too frequent sacrifice of local families to support the call to duty during WW I.
The commemorative address was presented by Jenny Butler and Colin Lees, descendants of the Magill family. Jenny recounted the story of the three Magill brothers who enlisted over the course of WWI and gave an insight into the personal and emotional impact on both the family and local community of the death of Eric on Gallipoli and the service of Frank and Jack in the Middle East. Colin gave an account of Frank’s service in the 4th Light Horse Brigade in Palestine and described the significance to the Allied forces of the Battle of Beersheba.
Some 30 wreathes were laid by families of veterans and service personnel. Following the laying of wreathes, Trent Saggus who recently achieved entry into officers training in the Australian Navy, delivered The Ode.
The Bogan Gate community values the participation of the Trundle Troop of 6th Light Horse and the inclusion of the recitation of the poem, ‘The Last Parade’ by Trooper Bill Looney. The poem honours the involvement of horses in battle which was especially significant on the 100th Anniversary of the Charge of Beersheba. Following the commemoration, those in attendance enjoyed a breakfast prepared by Bogan Gate Community Hall Committee.