Coolup comes together to celebrate Anzac Day | Photos

This year’s event, which focused on honouring animals of war such as horses, marked the fourth eve ceremony in the small rural community, after 46 years without an Anzac service in town.

The Anzac march started at the Coolup general store and continued to the war memorial at the Coolup Hall.

Local piper Suart McCormack led the way together with drummer Rob Back followed by members of the Coolup Kids Club and the Coolup Fire Brigade cadets carrying white crosses to acknowledge the servicemen that didn’t return home.

Six mounted light horse troop members from the Bunbury and the Pinjarra-Byford units closed the march.

This year’s guest speaker was Bunbury’s 10^th light horse troop president Harry Ball, who gave a stirring speech while still mounted on his horse.

Mr Ball spoke about the use of horses during both world wars, and how the Australian mounted troops were well respected for their success in battles.

However, Mr Ball said, soldiers weren’t allowed to bring their trusted horses back home at the end of the war, prompting most light horsemen to put their horses to sleep rather than leaving them behind.

Following Mr Ball’s speech, long time Coolup resident Ross Walmsley spoke about the involvement of a local family in the light horse troop during the war before attendees enjoyed a light dinner.

According to Coolup Progress Association (CPA) secretary Bev Alexander this year’s ceremony was a success, with more than 170 people in attendance.

“This doesn’t sound much however Coolup is a very small farming community, therefore highlighting the amazing support we have on such occasions as our Anzac eve ceremony,” she said.