ANZAC Day ceremonies this year will be inspiring reminders of the unshakeable bonds of friendship connecting Australia and New Zealand, according to Northern Beaches Council Mayor, Michael Regan.
“They are links of friendship based on common principles and shared history which have endured for more than a century, through bad times and good,” he said.
An ANZAC Day Commemoration and Wreath Laying Ceremony will be held at the Manly War Memorial on The Corso, Manly, commencing at 11.00am.
Separately, Dawn Services of Remembrance will be conducted at:
• Manly ANZAC War Memorial, The Corso, Manly (between 4.25am and 5.00am).
• Manly Dam, King Street, Manly Vale (arrive by 5.15am for a 5.30am start), hosted by Manly Warringah War Memorial Park Remembrance Trust and Northern Beaches Council.
The public is welcome to attend and lay a wreath at all three services.
“During the first world war, 77,000 Australians and New Zealanders perished on foreign soil, often side-by-side,” Mayor Regan said.
“In the Manly-Warringah area alone, one in every six men who enlisted for service abroad during the Great War did not come home, the terrible conflict forever leaving its tragic impact on the heritage and memories of the two nations.
“This year, too, we are all especially mindful of the enduring friendship between Australia and New Zealand, two nations which have so often stood shoulder-to-shoulder in defence of democracy, freedom - and against fanaticism.”
“It is appropriate, then, that Manly’s ANZAC Day Commemoration at 11 am will this year involve many young people.
“There will be some very impressive musical performances as well as a special presentation by our Youth Speaker, Ms Paris Jeffcoat, the 2019 Northern Beaches’ Young Citizen of the Year.”
“Our Guest Speaker this year will be Mr Mike Whitelaw, Director and NSW Manager of ‘Wandering Warriors’, a volunteer fundraising initiative by the Australian Special Air Service Association which works to assist wounded, injured and ill veterans and their families.”
The New Zealand anthem will be performed by vocalists Sarah Taranaki and Steve Rota, with the Australian National Anthem to be sung by Cairyn Bloomfield.
Detachments taking part in the march held in conjunction with the 11.00am service on The Corso are requested to report to the marshals on duty at the assembly point within the road closure at the intersection of Darley Road and Wentworth Street no later than 10.30am.
In the event of rain, the 11.00am service will be held at St Matthews Church, The Corso, Manly.
A cordial invitation is extended to all citizens of the Northern Beaches to be present at the above services. Issued medals will be worn.
Donations of cut Rosemary will be gratefully accepted to be handed out at the services.
Please deliver to Manly Council Chambers, 1 Belgrave Street, Manly (opposite Manly Ferry Wharf) by Tuesday 23 April.
Media Enquiries: media@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au 9942 2678