Whittlesea Anzac

For the last nine years Peter has marched in the Whittlesea community Anzac parade, and this year with the seventy odd Whittlesea Primary School children who volunteered to do the march. Like in previous years, the kids had to show great patience by waiting a good half hour before the sound of the drums, way up in front, sounded the start. The school was represented along with other schools and allocated to march at the rear. Up at the front was a 'Light Horse' rider on his steed (very authentic), followed by a large brass band, numerous army and air force cadet and scout troops, then the schools. Because there were many involved children from many schools, there were loads of parents who served as a large clapping crowd which seemed to move along with the parade itself. The parade route took in an Anzac shrine (pictured) and an Anzac statue at different parts of the town. The whole circuit, including the speeches, poetry, burgle, national anthem and laying of wreaths, took around an hour and a half. The children were at their very best. Some would have loved to have stopped for a drink along the way (the day was warm and dry) but they held their nerve and made it back without creating awkward moments for school staff. The inclusiveness of the Whittlesea RSL has created an excellent community focused way to remember fallen.

Posts on earlier marches are here and here.