Edith Guyer to travel in style in today’s Anzac Day march
EDITH Guyer will travel in style when she takes part in today’s Anzac Day parade, thanks to RSL Moree sub-branch president Reg Jamieson and newly-recruited personal driver Greg Fisher.
Mrs Guyer, a 92-year-old veteran, served as a Women’s Australian Auxiliary Air Force (WAAAF) recruit at No.5 Elementary Flying Training School at Narromine in central-western NSW 73 years ago.
She will be chauffeured by Mr Fisher in a fully restored World War II American army jeep, owned by Mr Jamieson.
“Riding in a jeep will be a real novelty for me,” Mrs Guyer smiled.
“There weren’t any jeeps at Narromine when I was there (in 1945). Not American ones, anyway.
Edith Guyer was chauffeured in today’s Anzac Day march in Moree, and not only did Mrs Guyer take part, but she led the parade. “I was a bit notorious out there, wasn’t I,” she laughed afterwards (Image Copyright Bill Poulos).
“Offering the jeep so I can take part in the march is a wonderful gesture, and I’ve accepted that offer with great thanks.”
Mrs Guyer had hoped to march today but says she’s worried that her time-worn legs just won’t be up to the task.
“I’m a bit wobbly on my feet and I don’t think I would be able to keep up if I did march. It’s a long way down Balo Street when you’re my age,” she chuckled.
Mrs Guyer had attended Anzac Day services in Moree on a regular basis however when a fellow marcher remarked that she “should get down the back with all the schoolkids” she vowed to never march again.
The incident happened about four years ago and it was a comment that deeply hurt the World War II veteran.
“It was probably just a case of someone having a bad-hair day and saying something that they more than likely regretted later when they had time to think about it,” Mrs Guyer said.
Mr Jamieson said he was shocked when told about Mrs Guyer’s ordeal.
“I was very saddened to hear about Edith’s terrible experience a few years ago, and I believe it was the last time that she marched on Anzac Day,” Mr Jamieson said.
“On behalf of the Moree sub-branch and the RSL I offer a heartfelt apology.
“We are extremely glad and very proud that Edith has decided to be in the march this year and we will make sure that she does it in style,” he said.
Words and Image Copyright Bill Poulos
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TODAY’S ITINERARY
DAWN SERVICE
The Dawn Service will be at 6am at the Moree Services Club Memorial Window.
Marchers are required to assemble in Morton Street at 5.50am.
WALES MEMORIAL SERVICE
This service will be conducted at Wales Memorial Park at 9am on the western side of Moree Services Club.
MAIN CEREMONY
At 9.30am the parade will marshal opposite Woolworths and proceed down Balo Street to the Memoria Hall.
The Moree Girl Guides and Brownies will provide morning tea and Anzac biscuits in the Memorial Hall following the service and everyone is invited to join them.
Wreath layers should notify emcee Roger Butler regarding their organisations and if they would like the names of those laying wreaths to be acknowledged.
Mr Butler can be contacted on 6752 1677 during business hours or email law@colebutler.com.au.
MOREE SERVICES CLUB EVENTS
Breakfast will be provided at 7am for dawn service participants, with lunch provided from midday for main commemoration participants.
Tickets are required and will be provided upon request to those people entitled to them.
There will be raffles as well as a good old-fashioned game of swy – two-up – and the Moree Brass band and Moree Pipe Band will entertain guests.
Lest We Forget.