FROM Melbourne to Perth, record crowds packed out Anzac Day dawn services across Australia this year to mark the centenary of the landing at Gallipoli.
For the first time, Sikh Community all around Australia stepped up its preparations for participation at the Anzac Day marches. Since this year also marked the centenary of the landing of Anzac troops at Gallipoli, there was greater fervor for participation within the Sikh community of Australia.
Even while downpour in some areas especially Melbourne may have been heavy, but it could not stop the ANZAC Sikhs this year.
Thousands of Sikhs all around Australia held banners as the city paid homage to all its ANZAC heroes in its annual parade.
The parade, marshalled by Balmain Rozelle RSL’s Senior Vice President Hans Kumpel, included Sri Dashmesh Malaysian Sikh Pipe Band.
In WA, Turbaned Sikh Manpreet Singh was the first and only turban wearing Sikh in Australian Army to march in Anzac day parade.
WA Sikh Band also marched in the Perth ANZAC day Parade in Perth. This year the drum band marched with pipers for the first time.
To commemorate the centenary of the landing by Australian and New Zealand (ANZAC) troops on the Gallipoli Peninsula during WWI, the National Sikh Council of Australia opened a week-long photographic exhibition at Sydney’s Parramatta Town Hall ahead of Anzac Day.
For the first time, the Sikh community also participated in the Gallipoli overnight camp to commemorate the memory of Sikh soldiers who lost their lives in service of their country 100 years ago.
CLICK HERE to see pictures of Sikh Community Participation in ANZAC 2015.