RATHDOWNEY’S children were at the head of the procession as service men and women made their way to Rathdowney Memorial Grounds for the Anzac Day service at 8am today.
President of the the Rathdowney chapter of Beaudesert RSL sub-branch Steve Monteith said the children were an important part of Anzac Day.
“It is the young people who will carry the torch into the future,” he said.
Children also took part in the service, with primary students Isabella Johns singing the New Zealand national anthem, Mia Reilly presenting the moving of the Anzac resolutions and Hannah Auld reciting the Anzac requiem.
During the laying of the wreaths, local children in their school uniforms respectfully approached to lay sprigs of rosemary at the memorial.
Rosemary is seen as a symbol of remembrance and has particular importance to Australians because the herb grows wild at Gallipoli.
“Today we commemorate not only those who have passed on but those who are serving and those who have served,” said Mr Monteith.
“We remember also their families, the mothers and fathers of those who gave themselves for a cause.
“Serving one’s nation is the most noble of all causes.
“We remember and applaud them for they are a part of us as we are a part of them.”
A’Choired Taste were at the Memorial Grounds and sang Abide With Me during the laying of the wreaths for Australians who gave their lives in battle.
As with Anzac services all over Australia, the last post was sounded and one minute silence was observed followed by the raising of the flag during the sounding of the rouse and its return to half mast at the conclusion.
The Rathdowney service concluded with God Save the Queen.
Visitors were invited to share a gunfire breakfast at the Rathdowney Bowls Club after the service.
