ANZAC Day Service, Parade & RSL Pinjarra 2014

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Fri 25 Apr 2014

The 25th of April - an excuse to get together with mates, make new friends, drink beers and 'spirits' run high in remembrance.



This may be true, but ANZAC Day is an especially important legacy, entrusted to us and our children. Honouring our service men and women, departed, returned or still serving and learning from the ills of war.

To pass on the history, information, experiences, good times, celebratory stories and sadly the tragedies, is our duty, better still a privilege.





In the growing country town of Pinjarra, south of Perth, ANZAC Day ceremonies begin at 6am with the traditional dawn service at Pinjarra Civic Centre on Pinjarra Road.

This is followed by a gunfire breakfast at the RSL Hall down the road for a very reasonable $5 per person. A much heartier meal than our diggers would've received. You might even get your hands round a rum & milk (or coffee).

At 10.30am the parade takes formation on Henry Street.

The procession starts at 10.45am along main George Street and moves onto Pinjarra Road.



Medals humbly adorn the left-hand side of service members' jackets or shirts. In full dress they proudly march in line and in time to the 'rat-a-tat-tat' of the drums and the immortal sound of the bagpipes from the Perth Highland Pipe Band.



This will be the 52nd year the Perth Highland Pipe Band has supported Anzac Day in Pinjarra. What an amazing accomplishment and devotion; well done.





Included in the march are the youngsters, permitted to carry 'Grandads' or deceased person's medals on the right-hand side of their shirt. They help keep the memory of brave conscripts and volunteers alive.

A rousing applause is received from an audience of all generations lining the street's edge, watching the parade and following alongside.



Reaching the memorial, the ANZAC Day Service commences at 11am. A prepared formal address and speeches are given about the ANZAC wars and remarkable people.

To once again mark the original anniversary and bestow respect for all, wreaths are laid from specific government and support groups, as well as local schools and businesses. Individuals from the community are then invited to lay any wreaths or flowers they may have.

The bugle plays the solemn Last Post with one minute's silence and then Rouse or Reveille .



After the service is complete the crowd disperses in large groups, some head home or off to other places to relax, while the rest return to the RSL on Pinjarra Road for an afternoon of camaraderie.

There are generally raffle tickets sold at the door and several more throughout the day. All funds raised support the RSL (Returned Services League).

A sausage sizzle and other Aussie delights, such as pies and sausage rolls can be enjoyed. There are soft drinks for kids and the non-drinkers. Otherwise, the bars are open with a wide range of choices.



Last year a conventional Scottish Haggis was cooked and sampled by those bold enough to give it a go. I found it quite nice when eaten together with mash potato or 'tatties.'



The traditional game of 'Two-up' is played with two pennies and a 'kip' (small wooden paddle). A 'spinner' is randomly selected, or you can eagerly offer to try your luck at having a flip.

This is when the fun really kicks off, if you're not too shy to give it a go or simply place your own bet. See money negotiated back and forth at a feverish rate.



There's also a 'Ring toss' on the grass to hone your throwing precision, or just browse the memorabilia on display inside and strike up a conversation.

#anzac_day
#family
#free
#learn_something
#memorials
#near_south_west_western_australia
#april
!date 25/04/2014 -- 25/04/2014
%wnsouthwestwesternaustralia