Anzac Day in Cobram

Families and Friends of First AIF member Anne Betts sent this report from the Victorian country town of Cobram. (Google Earth co-ordinates: 35^o55’00.76”S 145⁰39’02.81”E)

Cobram started Anzac Day with a Dawn Service at the War Memorial, which was well attended by several hundred people. 
At 9.30am returned servicemen & women, along with descendants, service groups & school children marched with the Brass Band & Pipe Band from the Shire Office down the main street to the Civic Centre & War Memorial.

A large crowd of around a thousand people assembled around the War Memorial to pay their respects. There were people of all ages from nursing home residents in wheel chairs to families with young children.
It was wonderful to see such a big crowd. Each of the local schools were represented by students who read poems or stories & they all did a wonderful job.

The local ‘Men’s Shed’ made up 50 small white crosses, which school children were invited to name in honour of a soldier they knew of. These crosses were then placed under our ‘Lone Pine’. 

The member for Murray, Dr. Sharman Stone, spoke very well, having recently returned from visiting our troops in Afghanistan. One by one, the many wreaths were taken up & placed at the Memorial Stone, each one representing a school, service or community group & Returned Service groups.

The bands played & the children sang, altogether it was a very heart warming display of love & respect for the many brave men & women who fought & died for our freedom.

I’m sure that the children who were involved in today’s ceremony will carry on our Anzac Day tradition & never forget the meaning of Anzac Day. 

Lest We Forget.

*****

The photos in this report were taken by Anne – many thanks for sharing your Anzac Day with us.