On behalf of the Executive and the Members of the Sub-Branch and on behalf of veterans in general, we would like to thank everyone who attended this year’s Anzac Day Commemoration services.

The numbers in attendance were again a fantastic tribute as to the reasons why Anzac Day is so important to our nation, and recognising the service and sacrifice of everyone who has worn or is wearing the uniforms of the Australian Defence Force.

A big thank you has to go to all of the school children, who despite being on holidays, arrived in their school uniforms and marched and remembered often wearing the medals of relatives.

Thanks also has to be given to the High School and La Salle Academy students who not only assisted in handing out the programmes at the main service, but who alongside the 220 Army Cadet Unit and Girl Guides recited the prayers. 

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Great thanks are extended once again to both the Royal Australian Navy, for Captain Stephen Bowater attending our services and the Royal Australian Air Force, for allowing one of their C-130J Hercules aircraft to pay us a low level visit, and to our other dignitaries who were present.

Special thanks has to be given to the Cadets of 220 Army Cadet Unit at Marrangaroo, who not only carried the HMAS Lithgow Banner and Flags, but, despite being asked at the last minute, were able to provide the Catafalque and Flag Party for the main service. This was truly appreciated by the Sub-Branch members as due to requirements, the Dawn Service Catafalque Party, graciously provided by 1/19 RNSWR (Army Reserves) had been tasked to another location.

Once again the Cadets not only did themselves proud, but impressed everyone by their professionalism and dedication.

We have to also thank Lithgow Council’s Parks and Gardens teams for having the park set up for the services, and the traffic management team and ACI for providing a clear passage along the march route, despite the roadworks being undertaken in Eskbank Street.

Wayne Lane and Mark Young deserve special thanks for again providing us with their WW2 Bren Gun (Universal) carriers to transport our dignitaries to the service, along with everyone who provided vehicles in the march.

Unfortunately, there was one blemish for us on the day and that was the seating in the park. These seats are reserved for our disabled and elderly veterans, Legacy and our war widows and it was disappointing to see that so many of the seats were taken by able bodied people and who did not relinquish their seat to one of the less able.

Apart from that, there are just way too many people to thank to list them here, but please be assured, that to everyone who provided assistance to the Sub-Branch in making Anzac Day a special day, we thank all of you, especially you Lithgow, with so many of you turning out in the cold early hours for the Dawn Service and watching the veterans, descendants and children march, each and every year, we will ensure that the sacrifice of all men and women who have protected Australia is never forgotten.

Thank you all. 

Michael Cuthbert JP

Honorary Secretary

Lithgow City RSL Sub-Branch