Business woman lays Anzac wreath

Local businesswoman Ms Jan Thompson participated in the annual Woy Woy-Ettalong-Hardy's Bay RSL sub-Branch Anzac Day Dawn Service on Monday, April 25.

Ms Thompson formed part of the official party which placed wreaths at the memorial in Memorial Park on Brick Wharf Rd, Woy Woy.

"I consider it a great honour to play a part in the Woy Woy service which publically commemorates Anzac Day, the officially-recognised day of national remembrance and an opportunity for all Australians to honour veterans from past wars and those currently serving in Australia's armed forces," she said.

Ms Thompson said she was no stranger to the tradition of service, having spent 22 years serving with the RAF in the United Kingdom.

Ending her service with the rank of warrant officer, she was also awarded the British Empire Medal for meritorious military service.

The traditional Anzac Day wreath which Ms Thompson placed at the war memorial was made of laurel leaves and red poppies.

Ancient emperors and the first Olympians were honoured with laurel wreaths, which have come to represent bravery and victory, while the horseshoe or round shape of the wreath symbolises eternity and the circle of life, she said.

Poppies have traditionally been associated with Remembrance Day, but were also used in Anzac Day wreaths.

Ms Thomson is a funeral director at Simplicity Funerals in Woy Woy.

Media Release, 19 Apr 2011 Rowena Fairclough, Senior Agency Australia