A BIG crowd greeted the Chauvel Anniversary Light Horse Memorial Ride which they rode into Richmond Park on Thursday.
The ride is named in honour of Light Horse legend General Sir Henry George Chauvel, who fought at Gallipoli and later ordered the famous cavalry charge at Beersheba.
The purpose of the ride, which started at Shepparton on March 4 and will finish at Tallangatta on April 16, is to educate and energise regional people about the importance of the Light Horse, promoting the rich heritage and association with the communities visited.
In Tumut, Rider Pat Leary recited the words of fellow rider Ewan McLean, including the following:
“We are embarking on a ride that will cover over 750 kilometres through country Victoria and NSW.
“This ride is more than just a journey, it’s a commemoration of the courage and sacrifice of those who served in the Australian Lighthorse regiments. It’s a celebration of Australian history, community and the spirit of remembrance.
“We ride for those who have gone before us, for their efforts and sacrifices that have paved the way to build our Australia into the wonderful country it is today.”
Sir Henry Chauvel’s granddaughter Honor Auchinleck spoke to the many gathered at Richmond Park, saying the ride was about linking communities, and bringing communities together with shared heritage.
“Communities are often fractured, but the (2019-20) bushfires showed that we need social cohesion, a sense of identity and purpose,” she said.
“We need to look to our neighbours and look after them.”
Later, the riders went to the Tumut RSL Sub-Branch headquarters in Carey Street where members of the Sub-Branch delivered a tribute lead by Sub-Branch president Robert Watson.
The tribute especially remembered those Tumut men of the Light Horse regiments in World War I and those Tumut men of the pre-war 21st Light Horse regiment who went on to serve with active service units during World Wear II. The Ode of Remembrance was then recited.
The Sub-Branch hosted the riders and support staff at a barbecue at the Sub-Branch office on Thursday night.
The Ride headed for Adelong on Friday, then Batlow on Saturday and Tumbarumba on Sunday.
