Residents and visitors are invited to remember the Australians and New Zealanders who have served in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations, at the Anzac Day commemorative services to be held across the Parkes Shire on Sunday 25 April.
The day will be marked with Dawn Services in Parkes, Peak Hill and Bogan Gate and will be followed by the Anzac Day march, wreath laying, and Commemorative Services mid-morning in Parkes, Trundle, Tullamore and Peak Hill.
Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM said, "Anzac Day is an opportunity to remember all Australians who have served and particularly those who have given their lives for our country.
"It is also a chance to commemorate the Anzac spirit, which encompasses the qualities of courage, mateship, and sacrifice. These qualities form a strong part of the Australian identity and continue to be a source of national pride."
This year the Principal Address will be made by special guest, Air Vice Marshall Leigh Gordon AO, CSM. Leigh is a former local who completed his schooling at Parkes High School. Leigh commenced an Engineering Degree at Goobang Shire Council before joining the Royal Australian Air Force. Leigh will also visit Parkes High School to address students in years 10, 11 and 12.
Parkes RSL Sub-Branch Secretary, Paul Thomas said "We encourage residents and visitors to attend any of the community commemorative activities across the Parkes Shire, including the Dawn services, Anzac marches, civic ceremonies and wreath laying. Those who are unable to attend can participate by standing at the end of your driveway on Sunday 25 April and observe a minute silence."
Adding to this year's Anzac Day celebrations is the 100th anniversary of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and special guest Leigh Gordon, AO as the Parkes Shire Anzac Day ambassador.
"We are excited to welcome Leigh Gordon, AO to Parkes as the official Anzac Day ambassador. Leigh and his wife Adele will be spending the Anzac Day weekend in the Parkes Shire and attending the official ceremonies and celebrations in Parkes as well as visiting iconic local tourist attractions including The Dish," Paul Thomas said.
Gordon moved to Parkes with his family in 1976 and attended Parkes High School. In 1982 Leigh left Parkes and joined the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), graduating from the Engineer Cadet Squadron in 1985 with a degree in aeronautical engineering from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. Highlights of his career include a posting as Senior Engineering Officer at 25 (City of Perth) Squadron supporting PC9, Macchi and Caribou aircraft, and a posting as Project Manager of the Lead-in Fighter Project that replaced the Macchi jet trainer with the Hawk 127.
