Susanna Freymark
Neville O’Malley addressed students from Mummulgum Public School and Bonalbo Central School at a special Anzac Day service at Mallanganee Memorial Hall today, Thursday, May 1.
Mr O’Malley wore his medals from his service in the Vietnam War.
He talked to the students about what Anzac Day means.
Behind him, the Honour Board listed 72 men who served in World War I – a lot for a village the size of Mallanganee.
“There’s always fighting in the world,” he said.
“Maybe one day we’ll all learn to live together.”
Mr O’Malley spoke about the traditions of Anzac Day.
“The Last Post was played at night at 9pm when I joined,” he said.
“It was a sign for soldiers to go to bed. A bugler would stand in front of battalion headquarters.”
The notes of The Last Post filled the Memorial Hall as students listened and then bowed their heads for a minute’s silence.
“Today, The Last Post is played to let fallen soldiers know they can rest,” Mr O’Malley said.
Students laid wreaths and then visited the Soldiers Room.
This room at the side of the hall is filled with photographs of the men and women who served in military conflicts.
The Mallanganee Hall committee arranged a table of food and juice for students before they returned to their schools.
Below are more photos from the day.
