ANZAC Day at Port Vincent
Trevor Clerke, Yorke Peninsula Country Times
The alarm went off early on Friday, April 25, and another ANZAC Day was underway for the volunteers and members of the RSL Port Vincent sub-branch.
After a quick coffee, it was time to start dropping off flags at their locations, delivering raffle prizes to the clubrooms, and heading down to the memorial.
There, the team met the road closure crew and began setting up the memorial area. Chairs were laid out, the public address system and CD player were set up, and sound testing commenced.
People started arriving early, with music played to welcome the crowd.
Meanwhile, others gathered at the RSL clubrooms in readiness for the march down Parsons Street to the war memorial.
On arrival, the marchers fell out to join their family and friends.
An estimated 350 to 400 people attended the dawn service.
President Barry Tozer welcomed everyone to the commemoration service and spoke about the past and the future. He then introduced sub-branch chaplain Ben Braund, who reflected on past wars and their continuing impact today. Chaplain Braund also shared his family’s personal connections through his uncles, grandparents and their experiences.
Following a prayer, representatives from various groups came forward to lay wreaths.
One of the most moving moments of the morning was the number of children who, when invited, laid wreaths or placed sprigs of rosemary into the foam cross of remembrance.
President Tozer then invited all to stand for the Ode, Reveille, and the national anthems of New Zealand and Australia.
After the service, everyone was reminded of the gunfire breakfast at the clubrooms, where 145 meals were served.
Music played as the packing up took place and people made their way home, to the clubrooms, or other venues — taking time to think and remember those who gave their freedom so that we might enjoy ours.
See the full coverage of ANZAC Day from across Yorke Peninsula in the issue.
This article appeared in Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 29 April 2025.
