Lest We Forget

CROWDS gathered across the region on Tuesday to remember those who served their nation as part of Anzac Day commemorations.

By Support Team

Lest we forget: Large crowds flocked to Anzac Day services across the region this week.

CROWDS gathered across the region on Tuesday to remember those who served their nation as part of Anzac Day commemorations.

Sunshine and warm weather saw bumper crowds at services in Noorat, Terang, Mortlake, Ellerslie and Panmure on Tuesday.

Numbers were strong at Noorat’s 8am service, hosted by the Noorat Residents Association, with Eve Black speaking on the importance of Anzac Day to Australians.

“It is a day when we remember Australians who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations,” she said.

“The spirit of Anzac, with its human qualities of courage, mateship and sacrifice, continues to have meaning and relevance for our sense of national identity.

“We remember those who served and continued to serve. Our military heritage as a nation was forged on the shores of Gallipoli, and later generations have answered the call to protect our freedoms, defend our values and our way of life.

“We must never forget.”

In Mortlake, the 10am service appeared to draw its largest crowds in recent memory as the march paraded down the service road on Dunlop Street, flanked by members of the community watching on to pay their respects.

Moyne Shire deputy mayor Daniel Meade laid a wreath on behalf of the shire, along with students from St Colman’s Primary School and Mortlake College, along with veterans, community groups and members of the public.

Terang also appeared to have its largest crowd in years, which Terang Returned and Services League sub-branch president Terry Fidge attributed to the weather.

“It was fantastic to have such a large crowd,” he said.

“We couldn’t have asked for better with the weather and the number of people who turned up, and we couldn’t have asked for better members of the RSL who put in so much work each year.”

Mr Fidge said he also felt the importance of Anzac Day was growing in Australia.

“It really took a downturn after the Vietnam War and it wasn’t until the mid-80s that it started to revive,” he said.

“The Vietnam war divided Australia, and I know personally it was not safe to wear a uniform in Melbourne and Sydney.

“It was just not safe, but that has slowly turned around.

“This week we have six groups from across the local schools touring the RSL hall and they’re all interested in what has happened; it’s fantastic to see the younger generations getting involved.