A RAAF fighter jet flew across the skies as Raymond Terrace RSL sub-Branch president Victor Jones delivered the opening address at Raymond Terrace’s main Anzac Day service on Saturday, 25 April.
“Today, we reflect on the war’s cost and on the service of those who have worn our country’s uniform,” Mr Jones said.
Hundreds of people gathered at the War Memorial in Anzac Park to participate in the main service, which followed the traditional march through the town’s streets.
As the 125th anniversary of the establishment of the Australian Navy and the Australian Army, this year’s Anzac Day memorial encouraged participants to look to the future while remembering the past.
“An important component of modern Anzac services is the involvement of young Australians,” Mr Jones said.
Student representatives from local schools read poems, recited prayers and shared what the ANZAC spirit means to them.
A large segment of the commemoration was dedicated to remembering the life of World War One veteran Private Rees James.
Born in Medowie, Rees enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in 1915 at the age of 21, before being assigned to the 12th Australian Light Horse Regiment.
After participating in the landing on Gallipoli he was temporarily reassigned to the 1st Regiment, which contained many Raymond Terrace men; Rees chose to remain with them for the rest of the war, until he suffered a gunshot wound in 1917 and had to be transferred home.
Even after the war he continued dedicating himself to his community.
In 1942 he signed up to the Volunteer Defence Corps to serve as Home Guard in World War Two, and he was Shire President in 1947-1948 and a Councillor from 1949-1962.
Rees passed away in 1965 and today a road in Raymond Terrace is named after him.
After the laying of the wreaths, the benediction and the singing of the national anthem, Mr Jones delivered the closing remarks, reminding those gathered that “the lessons of Anzac Day endure, and teach us of the value of peace”.
By Nico LOMBARDO
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