Lest we forget – Cowes commemorates ANZAC Day

Huge crowds attended both the Dawn and 11am service in Cowes for this year’s ANZAC Day services.

At the 11am service, crew from the HMAS Cerberus were in attendances, as well as members of the RSL committee and Bass Coast Shire councillors.

Reverend Jo White led the gathering in prayer, including a prayer for Ukraine, while RSL President Chris Thompson welcomed the crowd.

Guest speakers for the day were Lt. Ian Murphy RAN, from HMAS Cerberus, and Newhaven College School Captain Gabriel Pascoe.

Gabriel said it was a privilege to be part of the ceremony.

“I believe that ANZAC Day should be a reminder of a strong message that while the ANZACs were ordinary people, they did extraordinary things,” he said.

“We remember the ANZACs not only for their courage and their sacrifice, but also for their spirit of mateship, their loyalty and their commitment to each other. They faced unimaginable hardships and adversity, but they did so with a sense of humour, a resilience, and a determination that inspired those around them.”

Gabriel also paid tribute to those who served our country in all wars, saying their sacrifice “cannot be measured in words or medals”.

“I'd like to express my gratitude to everyone who has served and is still serving our nation. I appreciate your bravery, commitment, and service.”

RSL Sub branch committee members Christine Thomas and Bob Woods read the names of local fallen veterans from the Cenotaph.

Organisations and community groups laid wreaths including Phillip Island RSL, Royal Australian Navy, Bass Coast Shire Council, St Philip’s Anglican Church, Victoria Police, Newhaven College, Cowes Primary School, Girl Guides and the Wonthaggi Army Cadet Unit.

Former Newhaven College student Callum Fisher played bagpipes at the event and RSL Treasurer Greg Mead read the ANZAC Requiem.