We Remember.... Marking the centenary of the First Commemoration Service for those who fell at Gallipoli

The people of Brisbane began a tradition of formally honouring the sacrifice of those who fell at Gallipoli only 46 days after the landings.

On 10 June 1915 a Requiem for the Fallen took place in St John’s Anglican Cathedral and now a century later, in a grassroots movement, the community is again gathering to mark this international milestone in music, song, readings and poetry.

Canon David John Garland, John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland Image 28069-0001-0003

Canon Garland Memorial Society president, Dr Bill Glasson, said today that research revealed the city’s Commemoration for the Fallen was also the first Australian, and more than likely, the world’s first service of remembrance. "As such, it would make it a precursor to our Anzac Day," Dr Glasson said. This is supported by the leading authority on the origins of Anzac Day, Dr. John Moses

"It was official because the King’s representative, the Governor, and most politicians as well as representatives of the Allies, the Consuls of the Imperial Russian and the French Republic, both attended the service in their official capacity."

"On 9 June, St John’s Cathedral and the Canon Garland Memorial Society will honour this tradition by presenting a free-to-public concert – a tribute in music – featuring some amazing choirs and soloists as well as poetry reading and reading of letters from the Front."

St. Johns Cathedral Brisbane ca. 1915, John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland Neg. 202815

Participating artists include The Cathedral Choir, members of the Brisbane Chorale, The Holy Annunciation Russian Orthodox Church choir, Brisbane Regional Youth Orchestra, several soloists, including the brilliant tenor, Gregori Scanlan, world-renowned organist, Andreij Kouznetsov, the opera-trained mezzo-soprano, Lyudmila Kelloway, supporting pianist is Benjamin Drozdovskii.

It is expected that the evening event will be opened by the Mt.Isa born Australia's finest traditional didgeridoo player and a leading didgeridoo player in the classical world, William Barton, recently returned from an overseas tour.

Poetry reading and reading of letters from the Front will be done by the Dean of the St John’s Cathedral, Dr Peter Catt, Dr. W. Glasson, President of CGMS, Mr. Ross Hielscher, vice-President of CGMS Inc., The Reverend Emeritus Canon Bruce Maughan, OAM RFD MACE, and the beloved doyen of Australian broadcasting, Howard Ainsworth.

The evening will finish with light refreshments and a display of photographs taken in the Middle East by the architect of Anzac Day, Canon David John Garland, whose favourite saying was "nothing is too good for our soldier boys!"

When: 7.30pm, Tuesday, 9 June 2015

Where: St John’s Anglican Cathedral, Ann Street, Brisbane.
Cost: Entry is free to public

Contact: Con Drozdovskii, Events Manager, CGMS Inc drozdovskii@hotmail.com 0412 506 825

For any background information on CGMS Inc please check on the web at: www.garlandmemorial.com/our-society

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