By Abbie and Nixon
Early on Thursday morning, 25 April, we came together with members of the community and students from surrounding school to pay our respect to Australian and New Zealand service men and women who fought of our freedom. Flags were flown at halfmast as we marched alongside the Australian Air Force Cadets, RSL Cambridge Sub-Branch veterans, Cambridge & Floreat Scouts, Wembley & City Beach Girl Guides around the West Leederville Memorial Gardens to the front of the Cenotaph.
We sat and reflected while listening to hymns, prayers in remembrance of the fallen and personal accounts. Mr John Murphy, President RSL WA Cambridge Sub-Branch, told his story of serving in the Army and his time on the battle fields during the Korea War. We also heard from Ms Christine Tonkin MLA, Member for Churchlands, who served in a peacekeeping mission in Sudan while working for the United Nations.
We were then invited to lay a wreath on behalf of Kapinara Primary School at the base of the Cenotaph, beside other wreath laid by distinguished guests and representatives from Royal Australian Army Nurses, St Anglican Church, Scouts, Girl Guides, Cadets, and local schools.
The Ode was recited, and the Last Post performed by Sam Timmerman which was followed by one minute of silence. As the rouse was played, the flags were raised to masthead. Guests were asked to remain standing as the anthems of Australia and New Zealand were sung.
At the conclusion of the Service, the Catafalque Party were dismounted, and a complimentary breakfast was served at the Leederville Sporting Club.
