108 Crosses for 108 Heroes: Special Anzac tribute takes shape in Junee

MEMBERS of the Junee Men’s Shed are assembling a ‘Field of Honour’ that will form the heart of this year’s main ANZAC Day service in Junee.

The community will once again come together on Friday, April 25, as Australia pauses to honour those who fought for the nation’s freedom.

This year also marks the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign—a poignant milestone in the nation’s military history.

In a powerful act of remembrance, 108 crosses—one for each local soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War I—will encircle Junee’s Cenotaph, while the names of the fallen are read aloud one-by-one in a gesture of deep reflection and respect.

Four students from Junee High School will recite the names, at the same time that those who are taking part in the town’s commemorative march assemble nearby in Peel Street.

It’s the first tribute of its kind for the town.

Junee RSL Sub-Branch President Greg Zakharoff thanked the Junee Mens Shed for their support.

“Thank you to the Junee Men’s Shed guys who have done a wonderful job. Their work will ensure this year’s service will be memorable and emotional,” he said.

The Junee RSL Sub-Branch will host its traditional dawn and mid-morning services in Junee, along with an afternoon service at Junee Reefs.

A large crowd is expected at the 5:40 am Dawn Service at the Broadway Cenotaph, while the main commemorative service will begin earlier than usual at 10:15 am to allow time for the added solemn tribute.

Recruits from RAAF Wagga will once again lead the march, which is due to commence at 10:45 am.

The procession will make its way from Peel Street to Railway Square for a wreath-laying at the railway workers’ memorial, before proceeding over the railway and reaching the Cenotaph as the final names are read.

Junee’s Deputy Mayor, Marie Knight is set to address the main service, sharing reflections from her recent visit to Gallipoli, while Lieutenant Colonel Dan Swate of the New Zealand Defence Force will recite The Ode in both Māori and English.

For more details on this year’s ANZAC Day commemorations in Junee, click here.

© The Junee Bulletin