Over 300 early risers attended the Tongala dawn service on Anzac Day.
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Hundreds of community members and visitors joined veterans and their families in Tongala on Friday, April 25 to commemorate and honour the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who fought or are still fighting in conflicts around the world.
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As the sun rose, more than 300 people assembled at the RSL hall, forming a solemn line along Mangan St for the traditional dawn service organised by the local RSL sub-branch.
The service was emceed by Greg Rossborough, and featured a keynote speaker from the 8th/7th Royal Victorian Regiment, Sean Rathjen, who talked about the importance of Anzac Day.
From 9.30am, students from local schools marched behind war veterans and their families from the RSL hall to the Tongala public hall, while Echuca’s Aero Club conducted a stirring flyover.
A march down Mangan St lead by flagbearers Allan Wallace and Max Webster, and drummers River Townsend and Chett Cox.
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The march was led by flag bearers Allan Wallace and Max Webster, and drummers River Townsend and Chett Cox.
During the commemorative service, young voices from Tongala Primary, Lucas Pike and Ava Brunt, along with St Patrick’s student Angie Dawes, shared poignant reflections on the significance of honouring service members’ sacrifices on Anzac Day.
Tongala Primary student Scarlett Radford read In Flanders Fields and St Patrick’s student Archer Greenshields read Psalm 23.
The commemorative service was emceed by Greg Rossborough and had a keynote speaker from the 8th/7th Royal Victorian Regiment, Sean Rathjen.
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On the day, wreaths were laid by representatives from Tongala RSL, St Patrick’s and Tongala primary schools, Tongala Mathoura Community Bank, Girl Guides, Lions Club, Tongala Community and Learning Centre, Embrace Church, Campaspe Shire, Kyabram Legacy, Tongala fire brigade and police, the historical society, the Guiney family, the 8th/7th RVR C-Company, and on behalf of Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell.
Tongala RSL secretary Jenny Reid thanked all the sponsors for their support, and commended the musical contributions of bugler Mark Turner, pianist Jodie Weeks and singer John Rochford.
“We really appreciate all the support ... all the services were very well attended,” she said.
Wreaths were laid by many local figures and members of community organisations.
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