A Contribution from TGWS Member Donna Cunningham

ANZAC Day 2003



An Anzac Day Commemoration Ceremony was held on 25 April 2003 at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery, located on Point Loma in San Diego. Approximately 80 people attended this ceremony and I was asked to represent the Great War Society.

This Anzac Day marked the first time the ceremony was held without a surviving Anzac in attendance; the last veteran passed away during the year. Sprigs of rosemary signifying remembrance tied with a red ribbon were passed out to all attendees.


The Catafalque Party

The ceremony began with the entrance of Servicemen and Service women followed by the Catafalque Party, which was posted at the Stone of Remembrance. The Catafalque Party consisted of Royal Australian Navy sailors who are attached to the Fleet Training Center, Pacific.

Wreaths were laid by John Olsen, the Australian Consul-General and Rob Ayling, the Honorary New Zealand Consul-General to signify the joint significance of "ANZAC". Wreaths were also laid on behalf of the United States Navy, the Australian Defense Force and the Australia New Zealand American Club. Additional flowers were laid by individuals, including an arrangement on behalf of the Great War Society.


The Great War Society Wreath

Lieutenant Scott Palmer, RAN read the requiem remembering the Australian and New Zealand men and women who died or suffered at Gallipoli, as well as in other military conflicts, including Afghanistan and Iraq. The requiem ended: "We remember staunch friends and allies, especially those who fought alongside us on that first ANZAC Day in 1915. Our servicemen and women have left us a splendid heritage. May we and our successors prove worthy of their sacrifice."


Ceremony at the Stone of Remembrance

After a prayer led by CDR Robert H. Feagle, Chaplain USN, Matt Ross of the Boy Scouts of America recited the following lines from Laurence Binyon's "For the Fallen"

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.



Attendees at the Anzac Day Commemoration Ceremony

The ceremony ended with the Last Post, two minutes of silence, Reveille, and the singing of the Australian, New Zealand, and United States anthems.



To find other Member's Contributions visit our

Directory Page
For Great War Society
Membership Information


Click on Icon

For further information on the events of 1914-1918 visit the homepage of

The Great War Society


Additions and comments on these pages may be directed to:
Michael E. Hanlon (medwardh@hotmail.com) regarding content,
or toMike Iavarone (mikei01@execpc.com) regarding form and function.
Original artwork & copy; © 1998-2000, The Great War Society