On the 25th April 2021 the people of Beacon gathered at the Men’s Shed to honour and remember the men and women who have served Australia and New Zealand in all past wars. The plaque on the stone at the front of the Mens Shed bears the names of those who died but there were many more who lost their lives years later from the tragic after effects of the war. Far too many young people were taken from families too soon.
The ceremony began with a ride past of horses ridden by Sandra and Trevor to honour the horses involved in all wars.
At 11am, John Cashmore, Naval veteran of the Korean War, officiated and was assisted by Megan Beagley who was in control of the music and sounds associated with the ceremony. Other people involved to create a meaningful and moving event were John Shadbolt who played the bagpipes, Nga and Gemma sang (unaccompanied) the respective National Anthems, (NZ & Australian), Itchy raised the flag at the appropriate time, Tanya and Sandra laid wreaths and Sandra also did a reading, Matt Cashmore read the ODE, Colby and Patrick read beautifully and who could forget those dear little children who put their hearts into that special song conducted by Megan. There was also a display of children’s work commemorating all wars.
