Serena Kirby, Denmark Bulletin

After a stormy night, the rain stopped and the clouds cleared for this year’s Anzac Day Parade in which participation numbers were down from previous years.

An estimated 150 spectators attended the mid-morning street parade and service.

Parade coordinator, Mo Mulholland, said the RSL was still very pleased with the turnout of people at the parade as well as those who attended the early morning Gunfire Breakfast at the RSL Hall.

The Anzac Day date of April 25 is the anniversary of when Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed on Gallipoli in 1915 as part of the Allies’ invasion.

Anzac Day is a time for all Australians to recognise the more than 1.5 million service men and women who have served their country in all conflicts, wars and peacekeeping operations.

It’s also a time to remember the more than 103,000 Australians who sacrificed their lives in Australia’s name.

As a traditional sign of respect, the Denmark Anzac Day service included the laying of wreaths at the Anzac memorial by numerous volunteer groups, dignitaries and local school representatives.

Denmark High School teacher, Deb Edmondson, laid a wreath on behalf of Warren Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie.

Deb said it was an honour to acknowledge the sacrifice of those who served in the various wars and were now commemorated on Anzac Day.

A large group of musicians from the John Clark Memorial Band were in attendance and accompanied the Denmark Senior High School student choir who performed musical tributes during the service.

Denmark Senior High School music teacher Nola Formentin added reverence to the ceremony with her lone trumpet sounding out The Last Post and Reveille.

See the full coverage in the issue.

This article appeared in the Denmark Bulletin, 5 May 2023.