Every ex-serviceman and woman who is buried in the Dorrigo cemetery had a sprig of rosemary and an Australian flag placed on their headstone prior to Anzac Day to recognise their service.
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Dorrigo's Anzac Day commenced with the Dawn Service at the Dorrigo Monument at 5.30am with over 250 people in attendance. The Honour Roll of all the names on the monument was read.
RSL Chaplain Vivian Hoskins' homily gave everyone cause to reflect on the sacrifice of the fallen and our responsibilities to ensure we live up to their sacrifice. Carol Ballard laid a wreath for her grandfather, Private James Edward Phillips, who won a military medal in 1918.
The March and Wreath Laying Service at 11am again saw a large crowd in attendance who welcomed the veteran contingent with cheers and applause. The march was led by Light Horsemen Arnold Duckett, Shanlee Duckett and Harley Gibson.
Members of the Dorrigo RSL Golf Club drove their golf carts again and carried some older diggers and Legacy widows.
The flag bearers from the Dorrigo Fire Brigade were the honour guard at the monument. The Dorrigo Fire Brigade and Rural Fire Brigades were in attendance with Dorrigo Girl Guides, Nurses from the Dorrigo Hospital. We appreciated the attendance of S/C Matthew Dalkeith of Dorrigo Police.
The Dorrigo schools were very well represented with many children and staff in attendance. It was wonderful to see so many of the young members of our community there to show their connection with the legend of Anzac, and wearing their family medals. It is with the continued respect of the young that Anzac Day will live on in the future.
An original ballad "Thomas Alfred Marshall" which paid tribute to a young soldier who died in 1916 was beautifully sung by John Peppercorn accompanied by Gwynneth Denner.
Digger Jim McLeod conducted the ceremony of commemoration and over 30 wreaths were laid.. The wonderful RSL Women's Auxiliary and helpers provide the beautiful wreaths that were laid on Anzac Day and we are very grateful for their support.
Digger Bob Denner gave the commemorative address and told the stories of some of the names on the Monument. The Dorrigo High School Captain, Dominic Beaumont and Cassidy Guest , spoke on their family connection and the relevance of Anzac Day. These outstanding young members of our community made us proud with their depth of understanding of the Anzac spirit.
The ANZAC day lunch was later served in the RSL Club for 60 ex-servicemen and women and their partners. The traditional two up at the RSL Club raised over $250 for Legacy.
Like any event in our community a day like this does not happen without the support of a large number of other people and other organisations. The Dorrigo RSL Sub Branch wishes to sincerely thank the following for their support and help; Bellingen Shire Council and the Dorrigo Works staff, the Dorrigo Memorial RSL Club, Dorrigo Fire Brigade, New South Wales Police, Dorrigo RSL Golf Club, Dennis and Olivia Atkins, Barbara Weaver, Vivian Hoskins, and all those who attended our commemorations.
Special mention must be made of the fantastic support received from the Dorrigo SES who provide traffic control and support for both services on the day.
