For the first time in three years ANZAC Day was commemorated in and around Daylesford without the restrictions required to prevent and manage the spread of COVID.
Not surprisingly, there was a large crowd for the service at the memorial and the traditional ANZAC day march in the Victoria Street. The glorious weather helped too!
The local experience was mirrored throughout Victoria as crowds gathered to commemorate the sacrifice and service of members of Australia’s armed forces and to remember that war and conflict are to be remembered as great tragedies of human suffering that should be avoided where ever possible.
Smaller services were held in Eganstown and Bullarto.
At the Eganstown service, Brigadier Cam Purdy (Retired), spoke of the origins and importance of mateship. He spoke not of the glories of war but about the bonds between Australian men and women who have contributed to Australian operations overseas.
Later in the afternoon, a service at the Bullarto Public Hall, Brigadier David Smith, spoke of the need for eternal vigilance in this most unsettled time since the end of WW II.
Local Sally Harvey sang a haunting rendition of Eric Bogle’s “And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda” at both services.
