28 April, 2022
Early services proving popular
The 4.28am Shrine of Remembrance and 9am cemetery services continue to grow in popularity in Pittsworth on Anzac Day.
On Monday April 25, several hundred people (some estimates suggest up to 400) gathered in the pre-dawn darkness in front of the Soldiers Memorial School of Arts Hall.
In a way, the relatively mild and overcast morning provided the day’s best conditions for outdoor ceremonies, before the wind picked up in daylight hours.
The swirl of bagpipes through a fine misty rain created a poignant atmosphere as piper Rob Loch played before proceedings began.
Pittsworth RSL sub-branch president Allan Petersen chaired the service, with prayers given by Pastor Brett Dolley, the Australian, New Zealand and Royal anthems sung by Carol McEwan, and The Last Post and Rouse played by Ashford McEwan.
Mother and son would reprise their performances several times during the day’s commemorations.
Local teacher Mick Santsingh was a late call-up to give the dawn service address when high school principal Dan Lindenmayer, the scheduled speaker, was forced into Covid isolation.
It was the third time Mr Santsingh has given the local address, having previously done so in 2008, just a year after he had visited Gallipoli, and again in 2016.
On Monday morning, he reflected on how his appreciation of the Anzac spirit has developed over the past 15 years, as he and his wife Debbie raise their children.
“When our children were little, someone once told us that world peace starts at home,” Mr Santsingh said.
Skeptical at first, he has since grown to accept the proposition’s validity.
“As my wife and I - and you as the community - take the time to talk with our young people, and make them aware of the suffering being experienced in war-torn countries, they are becoming acutely aware of the gift of peace and freedom we have here.
“Practicing neighbourly respect, hospitality, trust and mutual support - the very values that sustained our ANZACs - these values are the ones that contribute to peace and so yes, I guess world peace does start at home.
“I believe that this is why we as a community flourish.
“So I want to thank you for modelling to our children, above all else, above personal and political opinions, the basic human values of respect, hospitality, trust and mutual support.”
At 9am, between 150 and 200 people gathered at Pittsworth Cemetery to honour the memory of local servicemen and women who served in Australian, New Zealand and Allied armed forces.
The windswept ceremony was led by local RSL sub-branch vice-president Mike Vogler.
In a short address, Mr Vogler said the qualities exemplified by ANZAC soldiers of respect, courage, tenacity and willingness to venture into the unknown had been the qualities that helped develop the nation of Australia.
Sprigs of rosemary were distributed at the entrance as symbols of remembrance.
- Alastair Silcock
