Foster commemorates Anzacs
THE Foster and district community was led in its Anzac Day march by members of the Yanakie Campdraft Club representing the Light Horse, on Saturday.
“The horses went fantastically,” Foster RSL secretary Percy Brewer said.
Foster RSL president Bruce Lester said the symbolism was particularly appropriate because the founding president of the Foster RSL Roy Paterson and several other locals were members of the 8th Light Horse.
Mr Brewer said attendance at the march was tremendous.
“There were more than 700 people at the parade, which surprised everybody in Foster,” he said.
The service began at the cenotaph, with a catafalque party provided by HMAS Sydney, and continued in the Foster War Memorial Arts Centre.
Many audience members had personal or family connections to the armed services, including Tim Wilson of Foster, whose father fought with the 8th battalion in World War One.
Those gathered heard moving songs performed by Rebecca Bone on voice and Fiona Curram on guitar and backing vocals.
As part of the ceremony, Foster RSL gave a donation of $200 to the Foster Cubs because they carried the banners and helped with the service.
The RSL also donated $500 to South Gippsland Secondary College for the prize for dux of the school.
After the service, audience members attended a barbecue lunch at Foster RSL and several RSL members went to Prom Country Aged Care to complete another service for residents.
In the evening, the RSL conducted another service before a night football match between Foster and Toora.
The two teams lined up as they do before the AFL’s Anzac Day match.
The ode was recited, followed by The Last Post, reveille and the national anthem.
On Friday night the RSL hosted a cabaret ball where attendees dressed in World War One regalia.
By Laura Gibb
Family connection: Jill Harris, left, and Ron Harris, both of Foster, at the Foster cenotaph after the Anzac Day service. Ms Harris has an ancestor’s name inscribed on the cenotaph and Mr Harris is a serving member of the armed services.
Special gathering: Saluluelanei “Lulu” Gray of HMAS Sydney and Terry Wiggins of Binginwarri at Foster RSL on Anzac Day.
Honouring dad: Tim Wilson of Foster at Foster’s Anzac Day service in Foster War Memorial Arts Centre. His father fought in the 8th Battalion during World War One.
Formal proceedings: Foster RSL president Bruce Lester, left, and treasurer Les Francis were part of the official party during Foster’s Anzac Day service in Foster War Memorial Arts Centre.
Catafalque party: servicemen and women from HMAS Sydney took post during Foster’s Anzac Day service.
Light Horse: members of the Yanakie Campdraft Club led the Anzac Day march through Foster, representing the Light Horse.
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Posted by Laura Gibb on Apr 28 2015. Filed under Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
