This weekend Parramatta will come together to honour the courage and sacrifice of Australia’s servicemen and women with a range of services happening across the area.
Parramatta’s Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter reflected that ANZAC Day remains one of the nation’s most significant and unifying moments.
“ANZAC Day is a time for our community to come together and reflect on the courage, sacrifice and service of those who have defended our nation,” Zaiter said.
“These services are a powerful reminder of the values that continue to shape Australia – courage, mateship, endurance and sacrifice and it’s important we continue to honour them together.
“We encourage the community to attend, show their respect and keep the ANZAC spirit alive for future generations.”
Zaiter and Parramatta City Councillors held a minute’s silence in Council Chambers last week to pay their respects.
The Epping ANZAC Day Dawn Service will begin at 6am at the Epping War Memorial and Cenotaph at Forest Park.
The Epping RSL ANZAC service will begin at 2pm at The Epping Club followed by a march to the Boronia Grove Cenotaph for a wreath-laying ceremony.
Epping RSL Sub-branch President Brian Swan reflected on the importance of remembrance.
“We meet, not to glorify war or praise heroes, but to remember those who have served our country during times of conflict and crisis and to reflect upon their sacrifice,” Swan said.
“I seek to focus on the past that is now captured in photos, letters and memorials, experiences of ANZAC and to look to the future to consider how we honour and make the most of the sacrifice, dedication and humility of those who served our country.
“Each year, we come together on ANZAC Day to pay tribute to the more than 102,000 Australians who have died in war and other operations, and to recognise the more than 2.5 million others who also served and were willing to sacrifice their lives for something larger than themselves.”
The Parramatta RSL ANZAC Day Dawn Service will begin from 4.30am at Prince Alfred Square.
Secretary of the City of Parramatta RSL Sub-branch Bryan West said ANZAC Day holds deep national significance for Australians.
“ANZAC Day has grown into a broader day of remembrance for all Australians who have served and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations,” West explained.
“The ANZAC Spirit used in conjunction with ANZAC Day embodies the essential values of courage, mateship, endurance and sacrifice and these values
became part of Australia’s national identity.”
All community members are encouraged to attend and take part in commemorating the National Day of Remembrance.
