Youths stood guard in readiness for Anzac Day

By Monique Preston

Apr 25, 2023

Standing guard: Cadets from the 38th Army Cadet Unit take part in the Anzac Day Eve Youth Vigil at the Shepparton Cenotaph.

Groups of Army and Air Force cadets, as well as young people from the emergency services, stood guard over the Shepparton Cenotaph on Anzac Day Eve.

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It was the first time youths had provided a vigil in Shepparton in honour of those who have fallen in all wars.

The youngsters from Army and Air Force cadets, CFA, St John’s Ambulance, Venturers and Search and Rescue stood guard in 15-minute shifts from 6pm until shortly after 8.30pm.

Service: Cadets from the 38th Army Cadet Unit take part in the Anzac Day Eve Youth Vigil at the Shepparton Cenotaph.

The vigil concept is borrowed from the military tradition of “holding ground”, whereby a reconnaissance patrol or advance party would identify and occupy a strategic position and hold it in preparation of the arrival of the main force.

The strategy would often involve an all-night vigil to ensure the site remained secure.

Up to 50 people watched the vigil at any one time, with the Lions Club offering a barbecue on the night.