Moruya remembers - VP Day Guided Tours and Commemorative Concert
Last weekend marked 80 years since the end of WW2. To commemorate this anniversary, free guided tours of the Moruya RAAF Bunker complex were held. The weekend was rounded out by a VP Day Commemorative Concert at the Moruya RSL Hall.
Gary Traynor said “Thanks to everyone who turned out. To all those who travelled great distances to be here, including our awesome ‘field historian’ re-enactors, we thank you especially. There was a flyover by the Moruya Aero Club – a fantastic display of flying and we thank all those pilots involved for their time and energy.”
In collaboration with Ballroom Connection Moruya and the Moruya Red Door Theatre Company, the evening concert has gone down as one to remember.
“A huge congratulations to the Moruya RSL and all the musicians, actors, caterers and organisers that were involved” said Gary.
“Special thanks to Carrie Kennedy who came along to receive the long lost medal of her grandfather, Herbert Bowers, a veteran of two World Wars. Special mention is also owed to 90 year old Lillian Crook, Moruya’s very own Vera Lynn, who performed ‘We’ll Meet Again’ to a very fortunate audience.”
Deputy Mayor Anthony Mayne said “it was a privilege to see our wonderful community come together for such an import event. We hear the word resilience used so often these days. What is not discussed as much, is how we build resilience as a community. Well, we do it in part, by coming together, by co-creating and working together to bring to life a sense of belonging. The RSL Hall was full of our community, remembering and reconnecting through your efforts. We are stronger and kinder together as we applaud that which is made possible by good intentions. In doing this, we indeed build a sustainable resilience.”
Speaking as a Red Door member, Cr Mayne said “to the theatre gang and especially to our playwright Cam and sound and lights and actor, Phil, incredible. To see a few new actors is always a joy and the feedback has been fab.”
“To the chair putter outers, to the food makers, to the bbq cookers, to ticket sellers, to the stage painter, to the poster putter uppers, to the Von Trapp family, to the dancers, to the actors, to the 3 guest singers, to the bell ringer, to our special guest and her tribute on stage, to Mr MC himself, to those who came in costume and to Gary T. and the Organising Committee….what a wonderful, joyful, soulful night of creativity, fun and remembrance.”
Cr Mayne added “Finally, as a member of our RSL, and on a personal note, thank you for the chance to wear my own Slouch Hat. I have not worn it since I left the Army many years ago. To those who have served and to all those who serve today, Thank You for your Service. We Will Remember Them. Lest We Forget.”