Dedication Day - 8 August 2021

The format for the dedication of the Amiens Memorial Bridge was decided in February 2020 immediately prior to the Coronavirus 19 pandemic. Unfortunately, as a consequence of the pandemic all plans have been held in abeyance until further notice. The dedication of the bridge has been postponed until 8 August 2021. More details to follow.

However, the general idea for 8 August 2021 may follow along similar lines to the original plan. This is it:

1. 6 and 7 August 2021. Meet and greet in Amiens at a place and time to be confirmed.
2. 8 August 2021. Gather at a time to be confirmed in the University of Picardy called the Citadelle in Avenue du General De Gaulle There is a parade ground in that campus that has been used several times for military occasions. Bring your HKFF and medals. Those people who are honouring their veterans of WWI are invited to join with us and wear their hero’s medals over the right breast.
3. Last minute preparations for the march including confirmation of the location of the saluting dais and a quick recapitulation of the “eyes right” on the march.
4. Form up with banner at front and committee of 1 FD SQN GP RAE Association together with any dignitaries who may wish to march with us forming the forward echelon of the parade. Parade form up in three ranks (if there are sufficient attendees).
5. “Quick March” accompanied by a band from Amiens.
6. March from the Citadelle into the Rue des Deportes, followed by the Rue de la Resistance, give an “eyes right” to the dignitaries on the dais and arrive at the bridge site. Halt – fall out. Congregate at the gates of the bridge.
7. Short speech to dedicate of the bridge – to be confirmed with the Amiens City Council. The first (of several) ribbon-cutting ceremonies to declare the bridge open. This is an opportunity for anybody to form a group and have photos taken cutting the ribbon after the official party has done so.
8. Cross the bridge into the botanical gardens and follow the signs to the official reception.
9. At the reception, more speeches between the French and Australian speakers followed by the National Anthems of Australia and France.
10. Enjoy the French hospitality at the reception.
11. Gather in town for a celebratory “Bridge” dinner at a time and place to be confirmed.
12. Travel the battlefields at your own arrangement and visit the Sir John Monash Centre at Villers-Bretonneux.

This format was arranged for 2020. However, it may be changed due to the situation in Amiens on 8 August 2021. Please refer to this website for information after February 2021.

Our memorial bridge to be built in Amiens France has been overtaken by the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel bans and restrictions have forced the postponement of the build and dedication of the bridge to 8 August 2021, when hopefully, this international calamity will be a thing of the past. More information on ceremonial and dedication arrangements will be passed on during the coming months.

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