WAR medals were displayed with pride, loved ones lost were remembered with the laying of wreaths and both young and old listened to words that helped them come to terms with the terrible toll taken during times of conflict at Anzac Day Services throughout the region on Tuesday.
At Bishopsbourne War Memorial, East Timor veteran Lance Johnston, who served in the Army 4th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, gave the Anzac address and pointed out that while many of those who served were willing to march, and wear their medals and socialise with other veterans with ingrained camaraderie, there would be some who had served their country who simply sat quietly, and unidentified, in the crowd.
“We stand together to reflect on this important legacy, one that does not seek to glorify, but instead solemnly honour those who lost their lives that day, and those who have served our country in all conflicts and peace-keeping missions since,” he said.
“This day allows us to consider that the wounds suffered in combat are not only physical; they can be deeper and far more insidious.”
Cressy District High School leaders Monique Young and Chloe Whiteley gave a beautiful address that spoke of a generation that, while unable to imagine what their forebears had to endure, was appreciative and recognised “true heroes”.
“War is difficult for children to completely understand, but we know that without the sacrifice of serving forces our beautiful country would not be what it is today,” Monique said.
John Denne, of Longford, a member of the Longford RSL Memorial Club, RSL Tasmania and National Service Association of Australia Northern Midlands Sub-branch, said he usually attends three services on Anzac Day with his grandfather Arthur Reed’s medals on his chest. Mr Denne was in the 16th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery based at Woodside in South Australia. As a 20-year-old gunner he trained on the remote beaches of Darwin, thankfully never having to defend Australia’s shores.