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On behalf of the President and Members of the Yass RSL sub-Branch, I would like state that we were overwhelmed by the extremely large turnout on Anzac Day. The numbers that attended were above the figures that we expected, or even hoped to see. I wish to take this opportunity to publicly thank all those who contributed to the success of the Yass Anzac Day remembrance ceremony. I would like to start by thanking the General Manager of the Yass Valley Council, Mr David Rowe, and all of his staff for the outstanding level of assistance they gave, particularly, Mr Tony Stevens and Mr Michael Brewers. They, along with a couple of RSL volunteers rose very early to setup the PA system and placed a lot of time in an attempt to ensure everyone could hear. Those who believe that a better job could have been done are more then welcome to assist next year at 0445hr. Plus to all our elected representatives who participated representing their constituents, particularly Mayor Rowena Abbey and MP Pru Goward MP. And of course, the Yass Police who assisted with the road closures ensuring the safety of all those in attendance.
The historical vehicles provided by the Hedges family that lead the parade is always greatly appreciated and our younger members of the community, the 1st Yass Scout Group who provided the Flag Orderlies and do a lot of work with the setup and packing away saving the backs of the older veterans, were outstanding.
The Yass High School Band is a credit to both the school and to Yass itself, and deserves our congratulations for giving up their Saturday. Mrs Annabelle O’Connell has for a long while always arrived early to setup her keyboard to provide a musical accompaniment at the Dawn Service. Young Siobhan McGrath was our lead singer and even with a throat infection, she still sounded so wonderful. A special thank you to Edward Alley, whose bugling sounds so professional and adds that special touch to the day. To the General Manager of the Yass Soldiers Club, Mr Robert Packwood, the President of the board, Mr Bill Nesbitt, and their staff for the Gun Fire Breakfast and the excellent service they provided.
This year, Mr Ken Bell performed the Welcome to Country Ceremony as an Ngunnawal Elder on behalf of the Ngunnawal People. And the Yass clergy, Fr Mick Burke, Rev Judy Heggard and Rev David Stuart were all great. Thanks also to Richard and Jan Wilson who were the Wreath Orderlies. It needs to be understood by all that the Wreath Laying Ceremony, along with the Last Post and two minutes silence is the body of the whole ceremony and everything else is an accompaniment to it. That it is a time when we reflect on the memory of Fallen and Departed Comrades. Although we conduct the ceremony as quickly as possible, it still needs to be dignified and respectful. We don’t want a melee of people all trying to get to the Cenotaph at once.
A very special thank you goes to Mrs Trish Kennedy for her speech. Having a woman on Anzac day allowed us to recognise the very important role that women played during The Great War. Also to Rusty. As it was his first time as the Parade Marshal/Parade RSM, he did a sterling, A1 job and should be very proud.
Lastly, to my wife, Michelle, who had to put up with all my bad moods, etc, when someone through yet another spanner into the works and for all the support that she gave me. But of course we can never forget the People of Yass who turned out in such huge numbers to support the veterans on the day and who brought an Anzac Day Badges from one of the Yass RSL volunteers. Every cent that the Yass RSL volunteers collected remains here in Yass.
I am always open to constructive feedback and suggesting, but some areas of the ceremony we are unable to change or amend.
My sincerest apologies and thank also goes to anyone that I may have missed. To everyone, many thanks.