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Saturday, April 25, 2009

Anzac Day Memorial Service in Robertson

A couple of days ago I received a phone call asking me if I knew about the Anzac Day Memorial Service in Robertson. I didn't know the details - but I ought have done. Several phone calls later I was able to pass on the necessary information to the inquirer. However, I resolved to go along to the Memorial Service take part myself.

The ceremony is held at the School of Arts, where the Memorial Stones are found, and the Flag pole.
The Anzac Day Memorial Service at Robertson was introduced by Jack Skipper, local resident and Returned Serviceman from the Korean War campaign. The Rev. Barry Lee is in the background of this image.Here is a young Lieutenant J.H. Skipper, MC, at Majon'ni, Korea. 1953-05-27
Photo used in accordance with AWM permissions code.

Members of the Robertson community laying their Memorial floral tributes and wreaths. In the centre of the image you can see Clrs Jim Mauger and Juliet Arkwright, who both represented the Wingecarribee Shire. Mrs Lynette Skipper is also waiting to lay a wreath.
Robertson resident and Shire Councillor, Larry Whipper, did not attend this Memorial Service.
"Lest We Forget". A moment of silence during to playing of The Last Post.Sounding Last Post
"Last Post is the trumpet or bugle call sounded in barracks and other military installations at 10pm each night to mark the end of the day's activities. It is also sounded at military funerals and commemorative services to indicate that the soldier's day has drawn to a final close.
Wreaths laid at the Robertson Honour Roll and Memorial stone." Source: Anzac Day history.Wreaths laid at the Kangaloon Honour Roll and Memorial Stone.
Peter Vaughan raises the flag, after the playing of "Rouse".
Raising of the flag
"After the one-minute silence, flags are raised from half-mast to the masthead as "Rouse" is sounded. Traditionally Rouse called soldiers' spirits to arise, ready to fight for another day. Today it is associated with Last Post at all military funerals, and at services of dedication and remembrance." Source: Anzac Day history.

After the placing of wreaths and the raising of the Flag, we adjourned to the School of Arts hall, for the formal Memorial Service. A series of slides and videos of local servicemen, compiled by Barry Lee, was played on the screen.

Jack Skipper welcomed everyone to the Memorial Service.
The school children are Isabella and Andrew from the Robertson Public School.Barry Lee giving a brief statement during the Memorial Service.
Gordon Whatman is also in the image. He recited the ode "Age shall not weary them...."
'They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."

Ode from the poem: "For the Fallen" by the English poet and writer Laurence Binyon and was first published in London in the Times newspaper in 1914. Source: Anzac Day - history

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