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Battle of Polygon Wood Centenary Commemorations

An Indigenous man plays the didgeridoo in front of war graves.

News

Posted on 1 November 2017

More than a thousand guests attended the centenary commemorations of the Battle of Polygon Wood in Belgium last month. View our photo gallery from the event.

Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium, Australia’s Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC, and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan were among the attendees.

Before the Dawn Service, visitors were able to explore the Reflective Trail, a sensory experience through the forest from the edge of Polygon Wood to the entry of Buttes New British Cemetery.

Footage of ABC TV’s live coverage of the 26 September event is available on the Anzac Centenary website.

 

Major Andrew Coburn recounts the story of the Zonnebeke Five.
Musician Jonathan Apps from the Australian Army Band plays the Last Post with the Menin Gate Buglers.
Historical re-enactments formed part of the ‘Reflective Trail’.
Corporal Deborah O’Toole from the Australian Army Band sings the Australian National Anthem with the Voices of Birralee Choir.
Knitted poppies line the ‘Reflective Trail’.
Nearly 1000 visitors attend the Centenary of the Battle of Polygon Wood Commemoration service.
References

The story of the Zonnebeke Five : https://www.visitflanders.com/en/things-to-do/attractions/top/polygon-wood-cemetery.jsp?country=en_US

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