Quill, The Buloke Times
It was foggy, and more than chilly, at 6.30 a.m. at Donald’s Memorial Park, but that did not deter more than a hundred residents from attending the ANZAC Day Service at that time.
Welcoming all present, Donald RSL sub-branch president, Carmel Dugan, invited Fr. Gerry Prunty to open proceedings with a prayer.
The president then spoke briefly, as follows, on the significance of the day which brought so many together throughout the country:
“We pay tribute today to all of the men and women who have served our country, but in particular those who lost their lives so that we can stand here this morning as a free nation.
“I was reminded recently that when these young people are deployed, they leave behind a plethora of family members; husbands, wives, children, parents, brothers and sisters; the list goes on.
“When they say their goodbyes there’s a question behind the farewells: “When, what if?
“So today I’d like to also pay tribute to the hundreds and thousands of families that shaped and supported these young people so that they could defend our nation.”
Wreathe laying preceded the Ode of Remembrance delivered by RSL member Brian Williams, and was followed by the Last Post, a minute’s silence, Reveille and the National Anthem.
A short walk from the monument took the early risers to the Donald Bowling Club rooms, where they were greeted by a very tasty breakfast.
Later, as the fog dispersed, a march from the Park took ex-service personnel, fire brigade members and many others to the Memorial Hall in McCulloch Street, for another service before lunch became available in the supper room.
RAAF Sergeant Leads Donald Parade
Donald’s ANZAC Day memorial march progressed down Houston Street from the Cenotaph to the Soldiers Memorial Hall.
The accompanying bagpipes and marching drummer stirred the spirits of all present, reminding on an emotional level the sacrifices made for the freedom in our country.
Once the party had moved from the street and settled into the hall, Donald RSL sub-branch president, Carmel Dugan, opened the memorial service with an acknowledgement of the traditional owners of the land and the standing of the flags.
Laurie Pearse offered an opening prayer before guest speaker, RAAF Sergeant Paul Knight, took to the stage. Paul is the son of Debbie Knight (Donald RSL treasurer) and travelled with a couple of his friends and their collective families to deliver his ANZAC Day message followed by some time spent in Donald.
Sgt. Paul Knight is in his 24th year of service and encouraged those assembled to reflect on why ANZAC day is so special. Why do people attend services as a tribute? Freezing their butts off at the dawn service and sipping on rum-infused coffee at the gunfire breakfast?
It is to show gratitude for all that has been sacrificed for our great country to make it what it is today – safe and secure.
Paul introduced the friends who had travelled with him saying, “ One thing that never changes between all generations of service life is the long-lasting mateship that is created during tough and enduring times.” Paul got to know Daniel Button and Shane Prime during a 9-month deployment in 2009 and they have been close ever since.
Flight Sergeant Prime and Sergeant Knight are both long-serving members of 462SQN; named in recognition of a Squadron whose beginnings go back to the deserts of North Africa in 1944. Paul went on to tell the long history of this information operations squadron, listing its achievements in- cluding two ground-breaking and conflict changing innovations. Chaff (small pieces of aluminium) spread from high altitude covering a large area would disrupt enemy radar and indicate more aircraft than present, and “Airborne Cigar” an Electronic Countermeasure that would jam radio communications when flown in enemy airspace.
Paul further explained that the present-day capabilities of 462SQN are very different, now. It is no longer defending the country with bombs, but with highly-trained Cyber Warfare specialists – while it may seem a stretch, the innovations created in WW2 moved into the cyber domain to achieve the same goal – the continued safety and freedom of our country.
On behalf of his commanding officer and executive officer of his Squadron, Paul presented the Donald RSL sub-branch with a history on 462SQN, “To See the Dawn Again” in appreciation for being included in the day’s special proceedings.
Following Paul’s informative talk, wreaths were laid, “The Last Post”, “Reveille” and the National Anthem were played and a mintue’s silence was observed in honour of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. A lunch followed the service, allowing those gathered to talk more with the guest speaker and his friends about their experiences, as well as reflect further on personal significance of ANZAC Day.
See all the coverage and photos in the issue.
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 30 April 2024.
