By Tanya Steele
The Yarra Glen RSL sub-branch hosted a memorial march followed by a commemorative service for Anzac Day this year, with unmistakable community support in the crowds.
Secretary Edward Bartosh was busy on the day but said it was a wonderful turnout.
“We are also really glad the Yarra Glen primary school could come,” he said.
Emergency service personnel made sure the roads were clear in time for the parade to march through Yarra Glen.
Residents old and young alike, along with scouts and sporting clubs marched behind the veterans in a wonderful display for the parade, keeping up a brisk pace to the cenotaph where the service commenced.
RSL president Stephen Shortis opened the ceremony, which was followed by an invocation by Fr Francis Denton.
Rosemary Bowling read aloud a letter from the front, written by Lance Corporal George B Muir, which was dated 29 October 1916.
“It’s terribly cold here today with a heavy fog and hay is hanging around. I think we shall have more snow before long,“ he wrote.
“We did about eight days in the trenches last time, and it was about the worst time I’ve ever had.”
The Yarra Glen Primary School sang Lest We Forget to the crowd and Michael Watkins from the Yarra GLen RSL read “Mates” a poem by D. Hunter a WWII Veteran which contemplates friendship over time and the importance of Anzac Day.
“An’ so to all that ask me why
We keep these special dates,
Like “Anzac Day” …
I answer: “WHY??! – We’re thinking of our MATES.”
Commander Adam Shortis from the Royal Australian Navy, who is Stephen Shortis’s son, led the Anzac Day address.
“They were all ordinary Australians but they did extraordinary things. Our nation was built on the foundations laid by citizens such as these,” he said.
In the balmy sunshine, the crowd quietened down for the Last Post followed by a minute’s silence, and then floral wreath tributes were laid.
The RSL thanked the scouts and schools for their participation and gifted students some badges and books.
Mr Shortis concluded the ceremony and thanked the crowd for their support, inviting people inside the RSL to look at some of the old medals and uniforms they have on display.
All in attendance were then invited forward to lay poppies at the cenotaph.
“But I would invite you all to come forward to lay a poppy on behalf of somebody that you know and respect, thank you,” he said.
