The catafalque party from the Australian Defence Force Academy Officer Training College stood guard at the War Memorial and was overseen by Warrant Officer 2 Michael Kelly, who is Squadron Sergeant Major and instructor at the academy. 

The catafalque party consisted of Officer Cadet Benjamin Taylor, Officer Cadet Adam Philbey, Midshipman Katie Scicluna, Officer Cadet Toby Richter, Officer Cadet Madeline Edwards, Officer Cadet Joshua Shorter, Officer Cadet John Weston and Midshipman Joshua Gorre. 

Narooma Sporting and Services Club president Graham Reeve said the RSL sub-branch as always did an excellent job and he estimated the crowd to be around 500.

The Narooma Community Choir performed the musical elements while Mark “Podge” Rogerson played the Last Post on his cornet. 

Jeff Iles from the Narooma RSL sub-branch gave an explanation of what a catafalque party was before the wreaths were laid.

The crowd then made its way into Club Narooma for the very popular and delicious Gunfire Breakfast.

Club Narooma also hosts the 11am service for Anzac Day as well as the two-up that starts at 2pm.

Chris O’Brien inspired

As the first rays of sunlight filtered through to light the faces of all who had gathered,  RSL president Paul Naylor spoke about the ‘original digger’ being an everyday working man in every town – the butcher, farmer, mechanic. 

Listening intently at the ANZAC dawn service in Narooma, Chris O’Brien was so moved that on returning to her Dalmeny home, she began to write a song of remembrance.

Chris was born in England and emigrated to Australia in 1974.  She has for many years attended the 11am service in support of family, friends and her students directly involved in the service.

As the melody began to flow, Chris found herself drawn to the words of the Ode which have become the chorus and pivotal theme of her song ‘We Will Remember Them’.  Chris was especially affected by the grave fact that we still today have ‘lads and lasses serving in the fields of war’.  Her deep seated longing for peace in our world, rings out loud and clear in the lyrics as they are carried by the melody and harmony lines.

Working alongside a modern day composer to bring a brand new work to fruition and experience it in a live performance has been a privilege and a joy. – Merinda Antill and the 2016 ANZAC Day members of the Narooma Community Choir