Bacchus Marsh rode and marched back into a time long gone last weekend to mark the centenary of the town’s first volunteers leaving to fight in World War 1.
The event was one of many events organised by the Great War centenary committee of Bacchus Marsh, which was set up to raise awareness and mark the centenary of significant events of WW1.
More than 400 people took part in the parade, watched re-enactments and joined in an array of family activities and entertainment.
Committee president Damien Strangio said it was important to recognise the centenary and remember the thousands of Australians who lost their lives in the 1914-18 war.
“It had a massive impact on the country and its people and we think it’s important to mark that,” Mr Strangio said.
He said the parade was one of the highlights of the day.
“We had a fantastic parade down the main street,” he said.
The parade included students in period dress representing the volunteers and a military re-enactment, with marchers dressed in World War 1 infantry uniforms, along with horses and riders.
Other formalities included a flag-raising ceremony, military drills and a re-enactment of firing World War 1 riffles.
The event was organised in conjunction with community groups and organisations including Moorabool Shire Council, Bacchus Marsh RSL, Creswick Light Horse, Bacchus Marsh Historical Society and Bacchus Marsh schools.
