INVERELL residents at the McLean Care Anzac Service on Thursday would have a vast collection of memoires associated with past conflicts. Many who bowed their heads in memory and respect doubtless had family or themselves involved somehow in the war efforts across decades.
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The assembly observed this year’s Centenary of ANZAC with an opening address form the Inverell RSL sub-branch vice president Peter Kearsey. McLean chief executive officer Sue Thomson emceed the event, which saw speakers from staff, youth represented by Macintyre High School students Mary Benares, Taylah Collison and Amelia Hersee.
The bugler who sounded the Last Post and the bagpiper who played Amazing Grace filled the room with the poignant sounds of memory and respect.
This year, wreaths were laid by McLean residents Norman Roach, with a wreath to commemorate servicemen, Joan Hockey with a wreath to honour servicewomen, and Sister Marie Watling, with a wreath to remember the nurses.
This year, the first wreath was laid at Mc Lean to commemorate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander servicemen, and it was placed by McLean staff member Julinda Walford.
A final emotional address was made by McLean residential manager Sarah Wade. She said the courageous spirit of the ANZACs and all the strength of those at home who supported them, lived on in the annual commemoration on April 25.
Ms Thomson said the laying of wreaths was especially significant for their residents.
“Our wreath laying is really important because it represents each individual aspect of service contribution,” she said.
