INCREASING numbers attending the Rosewood RSL Anzac Day commemorations have led to some changes.
“It is wonderful that so many people join us in marking this important day,” says RSL member Carmel Luetchford, “so, to accommodate the crowd and for the comfort of our frailer Veterans, we’ve adapted a few things.
The march to the Dawn Service will no longer commence from the Rising Sun Hotel but will form up adjacent to the Primary School in Mill Street. It will step off at 4.25am.
“The Dawn Service will commence at 4.28am in the Memorial Hall carpark as usual and will be followed by a Gunfire Breakfast in the Memorial Hall,” said Carmel. “We ask all who join us at the breakfast to make a gold coin donation.”
The timing of the main march is another change.
“It will depart from corner of John and William Streets at 9.10am – a little later than usual allowing time for Queensland Rail to close the railway line at the John Street crossing to allow the march to proceed without interruption,” Carmel explained.
Several wheelchairs will be available at the CWA Hall for frailer Veterans who wish to take part in the main march.
“These will be free of charge and just need to be left at the Memorial Hall at the end of the march,” Carmel said.
And a limited number of vehicles will also be available for those who cannot walk the distance but anyone wishing to take up the offer is asked to contact Carmel as soon as possible.
“A flypast by a 6Sqn RAAF Amberley EA-18G Growler will occur at approximately 9.15am as the march proceeds down John Street,” she added.
The major change to the morning service is the venue.
“This year the 9.30am Commemorative Service will be held in the Memorial Hall carpark,” Carmel said.
“This change has come about in response to the increasing numbers attending the service.
“The Memorial Hall is simply no longer large enough for the crowd. Several large marquees will be erected in the carpark to provide shade and undercover seating for those wishing to pay their respects.”
The morning tea following the service will be held in the Memorial Hall.
“Once again the Rising Sun Hotel will host the annual Anzac Day Two Up from 2pm and badge and merchandise sales will take place at Drakes in John St Rosewood on selected days up to Thursday, April 24,” she said.
“A beautiful Anzac quilt has been donated by an RSL member and this will be raffled along with three large meat trays donated by JBS Meatworks at Dinmore.
“Tickets are on sale now and will be on sale on Anzac Day at the various services. The raffles will be drawn during Two Up at the Rising Sun Hotel.”
Everyone is welcome to attend and take part in any march or service.
Also, community members are encouraged to lay a wreath during the Dawn Service or the Commemorative Service to honour a loved one who has served.
