Anzac Day to remember those loved and lost

This year Australians will commemorate the first year of the Anzac Centenary as people around the nation gather for dawn services and march through the streets to remember those loved and lost.

The Margaret River Returned and Services League again invites community members and visitors to take part in the day’s services with this year being the first year post Vietnam military veterans are invited to lead parades around the country.

President Keith Simmonds said the RSL invited members of the public who were involved in any of the efforts in Namibia, Cambodia, Somalia, Rwanda, Bougainville, the Persian Gulf, East Timor, the Solomon Islands and most recently Iraq and Afghanistan, to lead the Margaret River parade.

Mr Simmonds said Australian Defence Force personnel had been involved in numerous international peacekeeping and warlike operations in the post-Vietnam era. He said the initiative by the RSL was important in commemorating them.

“Guys coming back from Vietnam were basically forgotten because they were never recognised.

“That’s why it is important to do this year so it doesn’t get lost.”

The dawn service commences at 6am at Memorial Park and the main parade travels through Bussell Highway at 11.30am.

Members of the public are invited to attend the Margaret River District Club following the parade.

For more information or to get involved, contact Keith Simmonds on 0499 309 854.