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On Thursday 25 April Magnetic Island RSL will host the 2013 ANZAC Day Service. A Gunfire Breakfast (rum and milk) will be available at the RSL from 4.40am, then a pre-dawn march will begin at the RSL Hall in Arcadia and end at Alma Park where the dawn Memorial Service is held. After the ceremony participants are invited back to the RSL for a hearty breakfast. This is a particulary moving service and if you have not experienced it before, it is highly recommended.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are wanting to join the Gunfire Breakfast, please leave your car at Alma Bay Park and walk to the RSL Hall via Hayles Ave, as parking will not be availalbe at the hall.
ANZAC DAY EVE PROGRAM: Wednesday 24 April
On the eve of ANZAC Day, Wednesday 24th April, an Ecumenical Service will be held at St Margaret’s Church, Endeavour Road, Arcadia, commencing at 7.30pm. All are welcome to attend.
ANZAC DAY PROGRAM: Thursday 25 April
04:40hrs: Gunfire Breakfast RSL Hall
(A traditional partaking of rum and milk)
04:40hrs: Gunfire Breakfast RSL Hall
(A traditional partaking of rum and milk)
05:10hrs: Gunfire finishes: Wreaths and flags are collected.
"RIGHT MARKER" Parade Commander assembles marchers.
05:20hrs: March to Alma Bay via Hayles Avenue.
05:30hrs: Memorial Service
• Address by RSL President
• Adderss by Minister
• Last Post
• The Ode
• Wreath laying
• Reveille
Advance Australia Fair
06:15hrs: March back to RSL
06:30hrs: Rimfire Breakfast RSL grounds
Transport and accommodation
Sealink will be providing a ferry service departing the breakwater at 4am - arriving in Nelly Bay at 4.25am where Sunbus volunteers will provide transport to the RSL. Buses will also leave Picnic Bay and Horseshoe Bay at 5am and will go directly to Alma Bay, ie pick up passengers along Horseshoe Bay Road and Sooning Streets only (not the back streets of the normal routes).
The RSL Sub-Branch is delighted this year to have the services of Thuringowa Pipe Band for their march, and members of No 10 Force Support Battalion for their catafalque party and Parade Commander. It will doubtless be a very moving and memorable service.
Members of local organisations , as well as individual members of the public, are invited to lay wreaths in commemoration of the fallen. Following the service, all are invited to the RSL Memorial Hall for a hearty ANZAC Day breakfast and further comradeship.
Members of local organisations , as well as individual members of the public, are invited to lay wreaths in commemoration of the fallen. Following the service, all are invited to the RSL Memorial Hall for a hearty ANZAC Day breakfast and further comradeship.
If you are intending to be at the dawn service, you will need to book accommodation on Magnetic Island on the Sunday night prior.
The Origins of the Dawn Service
The Dawn Service observed on Anzac day has its origins in an operational routine which is observed by the Australian Army today. The half-light of dawn plays tricks with soldiers' eyes and from the earliest times the half hour or so before dawn, with all its grey, misty shadows, became one of the most favoured times for an attack. Soldiers in defensive positions were therefore woken up in the dark, before dawn so that by the time the first dull grey light crept across the battlefield they were awake, alert and manning their weapons. This was, and still is, known as "Stand to".
The Dawn Service observed on Anzac day has its origins in an operational routine which is observed by the Australian Army today. The half-light of dawn plays tricks with soldiers' eyes and from the earliest times the half hour or so before dawn, with all its grey, misty shadows, became one of the most favoured times for an attack. Soldiers in defensive positions were therefore woken up in the dark, before dawn so that by the time the first dull grey light crept across the battlefield they were awake, alert and manning their weapons. This was, and still is, known as "Stand to".