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Volume 9, Wednesday, April 25, 2012
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n c e e r e ff i D A e k a M d an
Lest We Forget T
By Vanessa Switala
oday marks the anniversary of the landing of Australian troops on Gallipoli in 1915 during World War One; let us all remember the Australians who served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. ANZAC (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps) Day services are held annually on April 25 to acknowledge the courage, mateship and sacrifice of veterans who served for our country and fought for national identity. Jack McGuire President of the Roxby Downs and Andamooka Branch of the Returned and Services League (RSL) put a local spin on this year’s ANZAC day memorial services. Mr McGuire said over the last three years the RSL have experienced increased community interest in attendances at ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies. “I think the driving force for that locally, at least, is that we (the RSL) have been proactive in bringing the importance of ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day and the ethos behind these important events to the forefront of the publics mind, through the auspices of our local media, our fund raising activities and the event itself,” he said. “In addition our local schools send the message out to our youth by teaching them amongst other things the significance of remembrance. “Our involvement in Afghanistan and other hot spots around the world draws attention to our serving service personnel and while evoking debate and concern, it also demonstrates from the modern perspective, the ANZAC Spirit and
in turn encourages discussion on where that spirit is derived. Mr Mcguire added, “For our ‘new chums’ from all parts of the world it is too an opportunity to remember their loved ones affected by conflict.” He explained war does not discriminate as it affects all people no matter where they are from. “The sacrifices of our forefathers have made available a ‘greener pasture’ for us and those who want to make this great country their home; that should never be forgotten,” Mr Mcguire stated. “In my opinion, the legend of the ANZAC and what it means to be an Australian has always been at the forefront of remembering those who have made the supreme sacrifice while giving us an opportunity to reflect on the impact on the families of those left behind. “With that comes most peoples ‘want’ - to honour them by attending the memorial services. Mr McGuire believes parents want their children to learn about the sacrifices made and understand why. “It is hoped those kids that are the leaders of the future learn from the past, not to make the same mistakes but also learn that, in this not so perfect world it is important to remain vigilant and to draw strength from the courage, tenacity and the bond of ‘mateship’ demonstrated at Gallipoli and all conflicts involving Australians,” he said. Mr McGuire added, “Qualities being demonstrated by our service personnel throughout the world right now... qualities that are reflective of the people who live and work in Roxby Downs. Lest We Forget.” As previously reported in The Monitor, one local community member Vicki Mason not only has a son, Adam, currently serving in Afghanistan with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) but also
has 12 family members who have served in the defence forces for Australia or New Zealand. Similarly, well known local, Leigh Malcolm had a family member who fought in the Great War for the Australian Defence Force. Mr Malcolm’s great uncle George James Malcolm enlisted for World War One at the age of 25-years-old on August 24, 1915. George was part of the Third Brigade which was the covering force for the ANZAC landing on April 25, 1915 and was also the first ashore. George went missing on September 1, 1916 but was not confirmed dead until June 19, 1917. Last week, Prime Minister Julia Gillard stated the bulk of Australian troops will be withdrawn from Afghanistan over the next 18 months. Ms Gillard said Afghan President Hamid Karzai is expected to announce the transition of Afghan control where most of Australia’s 1500 troops are based but the process would take 12 to 18 months. “It’s a process in which we will seek to achieve three things. We will seek to work our way through transition, we will seek to keep our people safe, and at the end of the transition we will bring the bulk of our people back home,” she said. Ms Gillard added, “Transition will be a process, and people will see bulk of our forces return at the end of that process.” The RSL would like to thank Greyhound Australia for providing bus services from Olympic Dam Village to Roxby Downs Lions Park for the ANZAC Day memorial services, Sodexo for supplying the food for the gunfire breakfast and barbecue and ‘Rusty’ for making and selling ANZAC biscuits with all proceeds going to the RSL.
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ABOVE: President of the Roxby Downs and Andamooka Branch of the Returned Services League Jack McGuire enoying ANZAC biscuits at the Bowls Club.
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