United we remember

GENERATIONS stood side by side to remember and pay their respects at ANZAC Day services across the district yesterday.

By Staff Writer

The Australian Army Cadets played their role in yesterday’s Anzac Day service in Warrnambool where the young, the old and everyone in between were united in remembrance. Hundreds gathered in Warrnambool and at various locations across the district to pay their respects to the fallen, and to those who continue to serve our nation.

Not even the early, cold winds could deter a large crowd from attending a dawn service at the Warrnambool War Memorial and by mid-morning an even bigger crowd gathered for the annual march and service.

Warrnambool RSL commemorations convenor Colin Davies welcomed a large gathering at the Warrnambool War Memorial, as veterans, school students, families and representatives from various community, service and sporting clubs stood side by side to remember the fallen and pay tribute to all those who served, and continue to serve, our nation.

“Today is of great significance as we gather to remember and pay tribute to all those who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations,” Mr Davies said.

“It’s wonderful to see so many veterans here today, along with so many young people and that reassures us all that the Anzac spirit will live on.”

Sitting quietly among the crowd, reflecting on the past and remembering mates long gone, 102 year-old Jack Bullen was happy to again be a part of the commemoration.

A World War II Army veteran, Mr Bullen was proud of the efforts of his fellow Australians.

“I managed to get in (the Army) when I was 18 because I didn’t quite tell the truth about my age,” he recalled.

“I rolled up to enlist, filled out the forms, told them I was 18 and they said come back in two years – so I went outside for a few minutes, walked back in and when they again asked me how old I was I said 20. I was right to go then.”

Guest speaker Lieutenant Colonel Cate McGregor paid special thanks to all veterans and current serving members and emphasised what a “blessing” it was to now live in peace.

“I attended my very first Anzac Day service in uniform in 1974 and today this may very well be my last (in uniform),” she said.

“But I am so proud to wear this uniform and to stand alongside comrades. We commend those Aussies who gave their lives in service; who were willing to face danger and death.

“I’ve been privileged to lead Australian soldiers overseas and to hear them speak of their love for their mates and their general desire to never let their team-mates down.

“If our fallen soldiers could see these young people today they would be so very proud.”

Members of the Warrnambool and District Pipes and Drums earlier led a procession along Liebig Street to the memorial where crowds gathered to watch and cheer as war veterans marched, along with members of the Air Force and Army cadets, school groups, guides, scouts and various community groups and service organisations.

Throughout the morning a large number of floral arrangements were laid including those from Warrnambool City mayor Ben Blain, veterans’ groups, schools and emergency services personnel among others.

Yesterday also saw crowds gather for services across the district, including at Port Fairy, Yambuk, Panmure, Koroit and Dennington.