Huge turn out for Cowes Anzac commemorations

The Phillip Island RSL said approximately 2000 people attended the two services in Cowes on Anzac Day.

“It would seem that lovely weather and the lifting of the Covid umbrella culminated in approximately 2000 attending each of the two services conducted by the Phillip Island RSL at the Cenotaph at Cowes,” said President Chris Thompson.

“It was impossible for me to successfully gauge the full total at each from my position, but feedback from numerous attendees seemed to verify that we equalled or surpassed our last pre-Covid attendances, a marvellous turnout for all concerned.”

The Dawn Service saw speeches from the Executive Officer of HMAS Cerberus Commander Peter Martin and Newhaven College Captain Laura Vivian.

“Both speeches were extremely well received by all in attendance,” Chris said.

“The 11am services saw Lieutenant Ryan Latty from Cerberus and Newhaven College student Coco Hosken deliver speeches which left us appreciating that our younger generations appreciate the commitment, sacrifice, and dedication of those we were there to remember.”

On behalf of the RSL, Chris thanked Newhaven College, The Royal Australian Navy for their Sentry and March parties, the RAAF for its flyover at the 11am service, and the dedicated staff “who endeavoured in the last couple of weeks to ensure everything went as planned”.

“And thank you to the visitors and people of Phillip Island who attended to remember those who could not be there themselves.

“Lest we Forget.”