Rodney Stevens
Rain clouds looming to the west didn’t deter hundreds of people who attended the 2023 Yamba Anzac Day Commemoration Service, after a bumper crowd paid their respects at a moving dawn service.
Members of the Maclean and District Pipe Band led the march to the cenotaph while medals adorned the left and right sides of both returned servicemembers and their family members, as emcee, well known Yamba local and member of the Yamba RSL, John Mansfield led the 9.35am service.
Yamba Public School captains Imogen Myers and Beau Green were called on to read the prologue before the signing of the hymn ‘The Recessional’.
Former Major Howard Baker then delivered the Commemoration Address, which was followed by the Commemoration Prayer by Donna Ford.
The Prayer of Thanksgiving was read by Clarence Valley councillor Debrah Novak, followed by the Prayer for the Nation, delivered by Macauley Catholic College student Ellie White.
When the service reached the stage where wreaths would be laid at the cenotaph, Mr Mansfield commented that there were the largest number of wreaths to be laid in recent times.
Wreaths were laid for Yamba’s last POW, Cliff Lowien by granddaughter Kim Howard, Liz Moodie for husband Dick, Pat and Cathy for husband and father Barry De-Bomford, Alma Bell for husband Patrick Fielder, Celeste Warren for WWII veteran Patrick Warren, Neill McMillan, Grafton Legacy Lower Clarence Division, Celeste Warren Animals in Service in all conflicts, Steve Scott for John Stubbs, Yamba Red Cross, Yamba Bowlo Sport & Leisure, Yamba Golf & Country Club, Yamba Ambulance, Yamba Fire and Rescue, Yamba Police, Yamba SES, Yama Lions Club, Yamba Public School, Palmers Island Public School, Maclean High School, St James Primary School, McAuley Catholic College, Wooloweyah Rural Fire and Rescue Brigade, plus people laid personal wreaths.
Following the Ode, Last Post, one minute silence and the Rouse, Maclean High School student Sumira Mahoney performed the national anthems of both New Zealand and Australia.
The commemoration Service was followed by a morning tea held at the Yamba RSL Hall.
