Another year: Julian Kraan, Brittany Hopson, Cameron Barnes, Mekaela Kraan and Shanae Hopson at last year’s inaugural vigil. Photo: file
Photo by
Shannon Colee
This is the second vigil hosted by the group, who will spend 12 hours at the Echuca Cenotaph.
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The Mal Whyte Rovers will participate in a ‘Holding Ground’ ceremony, where Rovers will form an overnight guard-of-honour on Wednesday, April 24.
“It involves keeping continuous watch over a war memorial in the evening before Anzac Day,” Rover and founder of the event, Mekaela Kraan said.
“It stems from the military tradition of ‘holding ground’ whereby on selected ceremony occasions, troops are positioned at the corners of areas of significance.
“It would often involve keeping awake on a watch alert to ensure the area of battle is secure against threat.”
Paying respect: Julian Kraan, Brittany Hopson, Mekaela Kraan, Shanae Hopson and Cameron Barnes at the overnight vigil in 2023. Photo: file
Photo by
Shannon Colee
There were even passersby who joined the group during the event, inspired by the message and dedication.
“We had people come off the streets to participate during those late hours that we didn’t have filled which was pretty great,” Mrs Kraan said.
This year, the group is looking for more volunteers to join them during the vigil, or those who can donate resources to help them through the night.
There are 30-minute sessions for anyone over 12 to join, as well as 15-minute sessions for under 12s.
Food, drinks, blankets and other tools to support the Rovers for their 12-hour vigil are welcome, as well as visitors throughout the night.
“We’d really like a bigger turnout this year,” Mrs Kraan said.
If you are looking to volunteer or are able to donate, please reach out to the Mal White Rovers through their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/echuca.vigil
For a full list of Anzac Day events in the area, visit our Anzac Day guide.
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