Anzac Albany commemorations commence

Anzac Albany commemorations commence

Anzac Albany’s commemorations began yesterday with the installation of 30,000 handmade poppies on the beach, and ended at sunset with a moving Royal Australian Navy Ceremonial Sunset with the Princess Royal Harbour as a stunning backdrop.

Formed into the shape of the number 30,000, the poppies represented the 30,000 troops from Australia and New Zealand that departed from Albany 100 years ago. The poppies were made by thousands of people around Australia and were installed by hundreds of volunteers.

Crowds gathered at lookout points along the coastline to view the seven warships – five from Australia, one from New Zealand and one from Japan – arrive into King George Sound to anchor in preparation for convoy commemorative events over the weekend.

A Memorial Service was held by the Albany RSL to the Australian Desert Mounted Corps on the anniversary of the charge at Beersheba, Palestine. The service was held atop Mt Clarence where there is a permanent statue to remember the Corps. It was attended by the Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Sir Peter Cosgrove.

As sun set over the Princess Royal Harbour, the Royal Australian Navy Ceremonial Sunset drew tens of thousands of people to the waters edge to see the Royal Australian Navy band and HMAS Stirling Guard.

The day ended with the stunning Princess Royal Harbour Lights display and projections on the Albany Entertainment Centre and the releasing of 38 flares to represent each of the warships departing the Harbour 100 years ago tomorrow.

Today’s program of official Albany Convoy Commemorative Events started with the Troop March, followed by a Commemorative Service with dignitaries including the Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand, the Governor General, the Premier of Western Australia and the Governor of Western Australia. The National Anzac Centre will be officially opened this afternoon.

For a full program of Anzac Albany events, visit www.anzacalbany.com.au, call the information line on 1300 765 531, visit the Albany Public Library or Albany Visitor Centre, or find Anzac Albany on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or download the Anzac Albany app (iPhone and Android).

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