6 April 2005

LIGHT HORSEMEN ESCORT GALLIPOLI SANDS THROUGH SYDNEY

Sydney's motorists witnessed Australian military history first hand when seven horsemen, dressed as 1914 - 1918 Light Horse soldiers, rode through Sydney to deliver a piece of Gallipoli history to the National President of the Returned & Services League of Australia.

The riders, from the Australian Light Horse Association and the 5th Light Horse Regiment Hawkesbury Troop, handed over the 2005 Sands of Gallipoli collection to the RSL National President, Major General Bill Crews AO, at a special ceremony at the ANZAC Memorial in
Hyde Park.

The special anniversary Sands of Gallipoli collection consists of lapel pins, key rings, medallions, teaspoons and plaques which contain authentic sand from ANZAC Cove. The collection was first introduced in 2003 and this year commemorates 90 years since the landings at Gallipoli.

"The RSL is pleased to support the Sands of Gallipoli initiative and receive a 12.5% donation from all sales of the 2005 products", said Major General Crews. "These funds will support the RSL's ongoing welfare work in the veteran community."

Last year the collection contributed approximately $150,000 to the RSL nationwide and it is anticipated this year's contribution will exceed that with public support.

The Light Horsemen briefly stopped at Crown Street Public School on their ride through the City. Their visit reminded the students of the sacrifice of former student, William Freebairn, who died at Gallipoli and is buried at ANZAC Cove.

The National President and the NSW State President of the RSL welcomed the Light Horsemen to the ANZAC Memorial along with 100 primary school students and 70 members of the Sing Australia Choir who performed songs from the Great War.

16 year old Simpson Prize winner, Sally Reynolds from Canberra, told the gathering what Gallipoli means for young Australians. The Choir and Sally will attend this year's Dawn Service in Turkey.

The Sands of Gallipoli collection is produced by Market Link Solutions and is available from participating Australia Post retail outlets and RSL Sub Branches.

Times 12:15pm 7 April 2005 Crown Street Public School Crown Street Surry Hills
12:30pm 7 April 2005 Ceremony ANZAC Memorial Hyde Park