Since 2017 the Veterans MC Federal Chapter have been making the journey to Young, NSW for ANZAC Day to take attend Dawn Service and take part in their parade.
Missing only 2020 due to COVID restrictions the numbers attending from the Chapter have grown each year. In 2022 over 40 members and family and 35 bikes made the trip to the Cherry Capital, however only 34 were in the parade due to a breakdown (no it was not a Harley).
Departing from Maccas in Nicholls ACT the riders were a great sight as the large, tight pack made its way up the Barton Highway to the Hume and then onto the Lachlan Valley Way arriving at the Federation Motor Inn before 4pm on the day before ANZAC
Dinner at the Services Club and a reasonably early night, for most (but not all) of us because at 0500 the President Bones and Sgt at Arms, Nobby, woke everyone up with a shot of rum for their coffee.
Everyone made the short walk down to the Town Hall for the Dawn Service with the Catafalque Party done by the local Cadet Unit, this being one of eight services the Cadets will attend on the day.
After the Dawn Service most head back for a hearty breakfast at the Services Club then a catch up with mates or for those who had a late night a quick kip before getting ready for the parade.
This year the parade was led by a truck that a local farmer had restored, the truck had been in Afghanistan with the Australian Army. The 34 bikes from the Veterans MC followed the truck through the streets of Young to the Anderson Park War Memorial, named after Lt Col Charles Anderson VC, MC.
Local Veterans, Police, SES, family and I believe every school in the district took part in the parade which was cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd.
The service was conducted by the local RSL President and Cadet Major Phillip Mitchell with members of the RAAF making up the Catafalque Party. This is the second year a contingent of RAAF have attended the day in Young, greatly appreciated by the locals.
Following the parade a lunch for the Veterans is held at the Services Club, always a great feed, before the obligatory two up session starts and members of the Veterans MC head off on their annual pub crawl around town to support the local watering holes.
It is always a great trip to Young, the members of the Veterans MC love going there and the reception from the people is fantastic. I have not missed one yet and though I live in Queensland these days I made the trip from just south of Bundaberg to Canberra to ride there with my Chapter.
Once again thank you to the Young Services Club, Young RSL Sub-Branch, Young Federation Motor Inn and the people of the town. A big shout out to the Young Cadet Unit for their efforts.
Lest We Forget
Mork