BUNDEENA residents rallied to commemorate the Anzac centenary last Sunday, showing that the recent fire which destroyed their popular RSL Memorial Club had not broken their community spirit.
More than 500 residents lined the streets to watch the Bundeena RSL Anzac centenary march from Brighton Street to the war memorial in Bundeena Reserve.
About 200 people took part in the march including veterans, school children and community groups.
The parade was headed by a NSW police officer leading the riderless horse.
There was a flyover by vintage aircraft, residents dressed in WWI uniforms, a contingent of WWII jeeps, mounted police, naval and air force cadets, NSW Fire and Rescue trucks, ambulance, school children and a lone bagpiper.
A lieutenant-colonel from the Special Forces in Canberra represented the defence forces.
The parade was rounded off with members of the Bundeena Off Beach Sailing Club towing a Laser sailing boat.
This was followed by the commemorative service in Bundeena Reserve.
Bundeena Primary School pupils sang several songs.
Peter Morgan of Maianbar sang the New Zealand national anthem and Candice Boyd sang the Australian national anthem.
Bundeena Community Band members and other local groups played the music.
MC for the ceremony was Bundeena RSL Sub-branch president Paul Griffiths.
‘‘Everybody commented on what a fantastic day it was,’’ he said.
‘‘We just can’t believe the depth of character we have in this town. We have so many versatile people who can turn their hand to anything.’’
Bundeena RSL Sub-branch will hold its Anzac Day dawn service at Bundeena Reserve at 6am on Saturday.
