By Renee Wood
A special honour has been bestowed on a Yarra Glen RSL member who’s dedicated years to supporting the local sub-branch.
Secretary and treasurer Ed Bartosh has been presented his Victorian RSL life membership by Robert Webster OAM, Victorian Branch RSL President, on Sunday 15 January.
Only four Victorian awards are given each year and Mr Bartosh said it’s a great honour – one he didn’t expect.
“It’s an amazing honour and really couldn’t do it without the help of others…. can’t do it alone… you stand on the shoulders of others,” he said.
“I’ve been to my mind just doing a job that needed to be done.”
Mr Bartosh joined the Yarra Glen sub branch in 2005 after moving to Australia from America.
In 2007 he became the secretary and a few years later he also volunteered to be treasurer – both roles he stayed in to this day.
Mr Bartosh said joining the local branch felt ‘only natural’ after serving 22 years in the American army.
“I had joined the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars in America and so when we moved here, it was natural for me to join up with the returning services.”
When first joining there was number of World War II veterans within the sub-branch and Mr Bartosh said it was his duty to support them.
“It was like being part of a social club with some of my father’s friends – my father was a World War II veteran with the American army..
“So just helping out with that, again, helping guys like my father, and now I’m one of those guys, so it’s a bit different.”
Mr Bartosh said a highlight during his time has been commemorating ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day.
“I decided I needed to become an Australian citizen… and I had to learn how to be an Australian, so ANZAC Day is a big part of that.
“I had marched in the city as a tourist, I happened to be here on that day, and it was an honour to be a part of that.
“Ted Bowling, the previous secretary, had set up things pretty well so I just slotted in and got to make sure it continued in Yarra Glen, and it’s [ANZAC Day] the biggest day on our calendar.”
Mr Bartosh has personally been involved in the commemorations and also assisted in the moving of the cenotaph.
As a life member, Mr Bartosh will continue to support the RSL and said it’s important to continue to assist our veterans.
“These people that I’ve served the RSL with, have all served the country of Australia, some of them put their lives on the line, others have put their bodies in service and the potential to have their life on the line at any time and to work with them to continue to honour them.
“Something we’ve done with Yarra Glen is we’ve got the students from the primary schools to come in and talk at ANZAC Day to try and instil that meaning of something special, of service to country, of service to your neighbourhood, so it doesn’t get lost.”
