AUSTRALIA'S ANZAC DAY REMEMBERED AT NEWHAVEN FORT

"Heidi plays Advance Australia Fair"

Jim Still

Sunset ceremony as the flags come down.

Jim Still

Last Post & Reveille as the Royal British Legion (Seaford Branch) Standard is dipped

Jim Still

April 25th 2009

By Jim Still

April 25th. 2009 saw the Australian Flag flying at Newhaven Fort for what we believe to be the first time. It was done to mark Australia's Anzac Day.    As the flag was hoisted the Australian National Anthem "Advance Australia Fair" was played by Miss Heidi Watkins who is the British Legion's County of Sussex Trumpeter.

During the day, visitors had the meaning of Anzac Day explained to them, and also how the Australian's mark Remembrance Day on November 11th each year.   The significance of the wearing of a piece of Rosemary was also explained as it is a symbol of remembrance.      Throughout the day Heidi played and explained numerous trumpet calls to the visitors who showed great interest in her playing and presentation.

Last year, 2008, Heidi had the honour of playing Last Post & Reveille on Anzac Day in Australia in three different locations, so it was fitting that she played on Anzac Day this year in the Newhaven Fort.

At the end of the day as the flags were taken down, a sunset ceremony was carried out followed by the Last Post, Reveille and the "dipping" of the Seaford Branch Royal British Legion Standard as a mark of respect for our "Aussie" Allies.

It is hoped to mark Anzac Day at Newhaven each year.