Truck drivers acknowledged with respect
AS DANIEL Bailey strummed the first few chords of his song Highway Life, the crowd fell silent.
Grafton
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AS DANIEL Bailey strummed the first few chords of his song Highway Life, the crowd fell silent.
His heartfelt lyrics and the acoustic melody underneath were enough to moisten the eyes of all who listened.
A story about his father, a truck driver, and the impact a trucking life has on a family drifted out into the crowd of 80, who attended the Grafton Truck Drivers' Memorial at the weekend.
Guest speakers addressed the service, each with their own story to tell.
"It was a very emotional service; people genuinely spoke from the heart," Gai Bailey of the Grafton Memorial Wall Committee said.
Five new names were added to the wall, as people paid their respects to not only those who had died on the job, but everyone in the transport industry and the amazing role they play in our society.
People driving past stopped at the wall, by the Pacific Hwy at South Grafton, for the ceremony.
"There really was a lot of respect from people on the highway who slowed down as they went past quietly when we had our service," Mrs Bailey said.
When Arms of the Angel began to play, with the laying of the wreath, the atmosphere was one of sadness, appreciation and utter respect.
Constable James Callegarai and Sergeant Chris Goodman of the Grafton Police were among many to address the ceremony, alongside Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis, deputy mayor Craig Howe, David Gilbert of the Salvation Army and Revee West of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
"Afterwards everybody gets together and talks about it and reminisces the funny things that have happened which is a really nice atmosphere," Mrs Bailey said.
The Grafton City Pipe Band performed a guard of honour and trucks did a drive-by.
Originally published as Truck drivers acknowledged with respect
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