BALINGUP locals gathered at the Avenue of Honour on Anzac morning over a warm fire and a billy to drink tea and coffee and share stories and memories of war.
The informal gathering, which took place among towering trees with grazing horses looking on, was both sad and poignant for many people hearing their friend’s and neighbours family stories for the first time.
The small crowd swelled to more than fifty as they made their way down the hill, past the plaques commemorating Balingup’s soldiers under each tree, to form up for the march into town.
The march was led by Light Horseman Ken Walker, who was a member of the 10th Light Horse in the 1970s and led the Balingup Parade for the third year running.
The crowd grew still more at the service, held at Balingup’s war memorial on the South Western Highway.
The service paid tribute to Balingup’s soldiers, and to all of those who have gone to war for their country, before wreaths were laid on behalf of local community groups, organisations, schools and individuals.
