The Swannies' Tim Clements and National President, Phil Johns, lay a wreath on behalf of the Vietnam Swans, Thailand Tigers, China Reds and Hong Kong Dragons at the Long Tan Cross, after the 2012 ANZAC Day Dawn Service. Photos: Asha Phillips.

Yesterday the ANZAC Day Dawn Service was held at the Long Tan Cross with a number of Swannies in attendance.

The wreath from the Vietnam Swans, Hong Kong Dragons, Thailand Tigers and China Reds. Lest we forget.

Cracking the minute’s silence with dramatic effect was a clap of thunder.

National Club President, Phil Johns and Tim Clements lay a wreath after the Dawn Service. The wreath was laid on behalf of the Vietnam Swans, Hong Kong Dragons, Thailand Tigers and China Reds and came with the words, “Lest we Forget”.

The Thailand Tigers established a tradition where wreaths are laid on behalf of all clubs that have played in their ANZAC Match. The Swannies have picked up on that tradition and accordingly had the Dragons and Reds included on the wreath. The Thailand Tigers are included as a mark of respect for establishing this wonderful tradition and in recognition that their permanent ANZAC Match, which we had the honour of participating in back in 2009, will prevent them from travelling to Long Tan in future years.

After the Dawn Service, it was back to Club Sponsor, Tommy’s 3 Restaurant and Bar for a gunfire breakfast. Following the breakfast, we watched a telecast of the AFL’s ANZAC Day clash between  Collingwood and Essendon.  It was another classic ANZAC Day thriller between these two teams with the Pies winning by a point.

Special thanks to Glenn Nolan for organising the wreath.

Items of interest

  • To see some video footage of the Long Tan Dawn Service that was taken by the Swannies’ Asha Phillips and used by ABC Australia, click here.
  • More photos of the Dawn Service can be seen by clicking here.
  • Match review of the 2012 ANZAC Friendship Match between the Swannies and China Reds – written by Supercoach, Ross McRae – to be posted tonight. Ah McRae, you’ve done it again…
  • Farewell drinks for Alex and Anna Polson at Phatty’s Bar in Saigon tonight from 6pm. Come along and give Alex and Anna the send off they deserve.