There was an impressive turnout at Leongatha’s war memorial, with only a little rain falling as locals marked Anzac Day.
Wreaths were laid to the moving sounds of ‘Abide with Me’ from the South Gippsland Shire Brass Band, new Leongatha RSL president Bill Verboon recited the Ode of Remembrance and The Last Post was sounded.
Many attendees sported a sprig of rosemary in remembrance of the fallen, with new Leongatha RSL secretary Vivian Carroll and her daughters Sophie and Alisha handing out the touching tributes.
Vivian proudly wore the medals of her dad who served in the Vietnam War, and also had a grandfather who served in WWII.
She feels honoured to play her part in the local RSL, albeit she observed that she still has her trainer wheels on.
Local Marion Cook was among the gathering, wearing one of her knitted poppies, having a few years ago been part of project to create 1,000 of them to mark a centenary event.
She feels young people are becoming increasingly aware of the history surrounding Anzac Day.
Marion’s parents played their role on the home front during wartime, running a farm, with her father belonging to the Victorian Defence Corps, training in case Australia was invaded.
Marion also had a grandson in the Navy.
Soon, outdoor proceedings concluded, with people moving into the Leongatha Memorial Hall.
Inside, God Save the King rang out, transporting people back to the days of the original Anzacs.
Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath told the audience of her experiences on the Kokoda Track last year when she accompanied 15 Year 11 students and others, the emotion apparent on her face as she spoke of those who served there.
One who did so was Leongatha bank teller Bill Owen, the Lieutenant sadly killed in action, being posthumously awarded the American honour of a Distinguished Cross.
The group of which Melina was a part stopped along the way, the students reading out poignant letters and poems written by soldiers who served at Kokoda.
The politician recalled the story of one Australian soldier singing for his mortally wounded brother.
On a brighter note, Melina helped put to rest the ongoing debate as to whether it is the Kokoda Trail or the Kokoda Track.
“At the base of Kokoda in the village where you finish or start the journey, there’s ‘Trail’ on one side and ‘Track’ on the other, so you can make your own choice,” she said.
Melina made it clear the Australian soldiers who served at Kokoda proved the doubters wrong, having come from the Citizens Militia Force and been labelled ‘Chocolate Soldiers’ who would melt in the heat of battle.
Those in the Memorial Hall also heard from Amanda Hart, a local Chaplain and Corp Officer of The Salvation Army who reflected on the sacrifices made during wartime and invited audience members to join her in The Lord’s Prayer.
Leongatha Secondary College school leaders Bodhi Abernethy and Chloe Challis read the Anzac Requiem and the combined efforts of the South Gippsland Shire Brass Band and the South Gippsland Singers brought home the emotion of the day.
Proceedings ended on a fun note with attendees joining a WWI era singalong that included ‘It’s a Long Way to Tipperary’.
