Remembering at sunset

Master of Ceremonies Lieutenant Colonel Rhogan Aitken opened the centenary commemorative service at Memorial Park in Wanneroo before Mayor Tracey Roberts delivered the opening speech.

Mayor Roberts said the moving ceremony was an appropriate tribute to both Wanneroo's soldiers and the broader commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli Landing.

“To me it is the crowds that show our strong connectivity within our community,” she said.

“People stand alongside their fellow community members to achieve a common goal and a clear purpose – to keep the Anzac spirit alive and to remember and give thanks to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for the benefit of others.”

The Challenge Brass Band performed a medley of songs, including Reveille, Pack Up Your Troubles In Your Old Kit Bag, Mademoiselle From Armentieres, Hello Hello Who's Your Lady Friend, Keep The Home Fires Burning, It's A Long Way To Tipperary' ending with a solo Bugle call.

Principal and former commander of the 13th Infantry Brigade Brigadier White delivered the keynote speech.

Ricky Wileman sounded Last Post on a bugle owned by World War I soldier Jack Christie who was killed in action on 3rd October 1918.

Mayor Roberts and councillors, Member for Cowan Luke Simpkins, Member for North Metropolitan Region Liz Behjat, Returned and Service League of WA representative Wendy Tuffin, military representative Brigadier White, Wanneroo MLA Paul Miles and Department of Veteran Affairs representative Peter King laid wreaths at the memorial.

St Stephens School Choir, accompanied by the Challenge Brass Band, sung the New Zealand and Australian national anthems and doves were released to commemorate the centenary of the Anzacs.

The event was made possible through funding from the Department of Veteran Affairs as part of their centenary grants program.  The grant has allowed Wanneroo to honour its fallen soldiers as well as those who fought and came home.