Families are invited to join more than 60 youth from service organisations to salute the men and women who served their country at a special ceremony in the City of Playford on ANZAC Day Eve.
The ceremony provides an opportunity for people to recognise the ANZACs respectfully, and still have their children home at a reasonable time.
The public service at the Smithfield Memorial Gardens, which will run from 7.30pm to about 8pm on Sunday 24 April, signals the start of the ANZAC Day Overnight Vigil.
The vigil will involve members of Ridley District Scouts, Playford District Girl Guides, St John Ambulance Cadets, Dalkeith Country Fire Service Cadets and Elizabeth Pathfinders Club stand guard in 30-minute shifts throughout the night leading up to the Dawn Service.
Attendees will see the mounting of the honour guard, a reading of the poem Ataturk by a CFS Cadet, a flag raising ceremony and a performance of the Australian by a student from Playford International College.
City of Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty said: “I encourage residents to attend the vigil ceremony to recognise the ANZACs and support our young people who will stand guard all night.”
Overnight vigil participants are aged 12 to 18.
The Dawn Service will include performances of Amazing Grace and the Australian, New Zealand and British national anthems by star of The Voice Rachel Leahcar and an address by the Senior Coordinating Chaplain at the RAAF Base Edinburgh Wing Commander Alan Williams.
Pastor Bryan Sellars of Northern Communities Hope Church’s address will include the Prayer of Remembrance. Gareth Budd of Playford City Concert Band will perform The Last Post.
Mayor Glenn Docherty will read the Ode, and there will be a minute’s silence.
Breakfast will be available at the Smithfield Sports and Social Club following the Dawn Service.
Overnight Vigil service – 24 April
Smithfield Memorial Gardens
Anderson Walk, Smithfield.
7.30pm to 8pm Sunday 24 April.
Followed by overnight Youth Vigil.
ANZAC Day Dawn Service – 25 April
Smithfield Memorial Gardens
Anderson Walk, Smithfield.
Start: 6am.
More News
