Towns come together for Anzac Day

The communities of Rutherglen, Corowa and Wahgunyah will come together to pay tribute to servicemen and women, those fallen and those who returned, on Anzac Day, Tuesday, April 25.

Remembrance services, wreath laying and an Anzac Day March will be held to mark the special day.

The coming together of community members represents the comradeship that the soldiers experienced each day as part of military service.

Corowa RSL Sub Branch President Martin Magill said he was looking forward to what was sure to be another remarkable Anzac Day.

“I am really looking forward to this year’s Anzac Day services in Corowa,” Mr Magill said.

“Our Anzac March and service is always a memorable occasion so I am urging everyone to come along and pay tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

“This year the Corowa High School is again assisting us in our event which is just fantastic to see the younger generations so enthused in recognising the importance of our local Anzac Day services.

“The students at Corowa High School are a credit not only to the school, but to their families and I know they will attribute to another honourable memorial event.”

Lt S.Felber of the Army School of Health will be the honorary guest speaker at this years’ Corowa Service.

The Wahgunyah march begins at 9.30am starting at the School of Arts and marching to the War Memorial Gardens.

Following the positive response from last year’s Anzac Day, when descendants of a Wahgunyah soldier who died in service led the March, this year it will be descendants of Private William Charles Cofield who take the lead.

Nephew Geoff Cofield will speak of his uncle’s early life, his war record and the effect his death had on his family.

Following the service, members of the public are invited to return to the School of Arts for a cup of tea and Anzac biscuits.

Rutherglen Sub Branch President Neville Bainbridge said he had been checking the weather vigorously in the lead up to Anzac Day and was pleased to see sunshine is expected for this year’s commemorations in Rutherglen.

“Anzac Day is such an important day for the local community to come together and pay their respects to the fallen Anzacs,” Mr Bainbridge said.

“Here in Rutherglen we have a big day planned, starting with Dawn Service from 5.55am at the Rutherglen Memorial Gardens, followed by breakfast at 6.30am at the Memorial Hall Supper Rooms.

“Our Anzac Day March will commence at 8.45am led by the Light Horse Contingent and the Commemoration Service begins at 9am at the Rutherglen Memorial Gardens.”