Bogan Gate residents gathered in large numbers last Saturday for the centenary of Anzac commemoration.
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Bogan Gate Community Memorial Hall president Gail McKay said about 700 people attended the community’s dawn service, marking 100 years since the landing of the Anzacs at Gallipoli.
Gail provided the following report:
The service commenced with the Trundle Troop 6th Light Horse honouring the fallen with an eyes-right salute to Major Michael Mudie as they rode past the monument.
Our chairman Dick Rawson extended a big welcome to the large crowd. The young Bogan Gate musicians provided the music for the hymns, wreath laying and national anthem.
Reverend Brian Schmalkuche led the prayer for the service and Mark Judson read the prologue. Some 49 wreaths were laid on the monument in honour of the fallen and to those servicemen and women who have since passed on.
The Bogan Gate Public School children read ‘A Tribute of Anzac Day’ written by Ken Bunker. An excellent address was given by Quinn Green, an ex-Bogan Gate student who is currently vice captain at Parkes High School.
Bill Looney of the 6th Trundle Troop Light Horse recited from his horse the Banjo Patterson poem ‘The Last Parade’. Wayne Dunford recited the Ode, this was followed by the Last Post sounded by Jim Rodgers also on his horse from the 6th Light Horse.
Major Michael Mudie from Army headquarters delivered a very moving Anzac Day address. Rev Brian Schmalkuche led us in prayers for our nation and armed forces.
Our 2015 dawn service concluded with the singing of our national anthem.
Dick Rawson thanked everyone for attending our service as some had travelled a long way. The Bogan Gate Hall Committee thanked Craig from the Dish Café for all his efforts in serving nearly 400 people for breakfast.
Afterwards old friends reunited and there was an interesting display of World War I memorabilia in the hall for everyone to look at. Also on display were the service records and photos of 25 servicemen whose names are on our monument. This created a lot of interest.
Overall our dawn service marking the anniversary of 100 years since the landing of Gallipoli will be an occasion not to be forgotten by all who attended.
