HUNDREDS gathered for the Cohuna-Leitchville Anzac Memorial Service in a solemn show of respect for those who have served and given their lives for the country.
The march along King George Street was led by the Bendigo Pipe Band and a catafalque party from Puckapunyal defence base, with members of the community lining the street before gathering at the Cohuna Memorial Park.
President of the Cohuna and Leitchville RSL Sub-Branch, Trevor Powis, said the day exceeded expectations.
“It’s vitally important to continue the historic honouring, and remembering, of Australia and New Zealand’s war experiences,” Mr Powis said.
Colonel Damon Higginbottom, the husband of Cohuna-born medical core officer Lieutenant Colonel Angela Trezise, gave a moving guest speech.
“We recognise more than 100,000 Australian servicemen and women who have lost their lives during military operations carried out in our nation’s name,” Col Higginbottom said.
“From large cities to small, rural towns – like Cohuna – memorials associated with past wars are displayed.
“And behind every name on every memorial, large and small, across the nation and abroad, there is a story of courage.”
Lt Col Trezise, the daughter of Frank and Irene, has served in the Australian Defence Force for more than 30 years and returns home from Canberra each Anzac Day.
“It’s a huge turnout, probably one of the biggest crowds we’ve had for a while which is lovely to see,” Lt Col Trezise said.
“It shows the community’s invested and interested in paying their respects.
“We live and breathe this, it’s our job, but having a day put aside where the whole community can understand and reflect on those we’ve lost is special.
“We’re very proud of the (Cohuna-Leitchville) service and hope they’re proud of us as well.”
Graham (Jock) Spring served twice in the Vietnam War and said when the last post plays, he thinks of fallen friends.
“I’m always pretty ordinary coming up to Anzac Day, because I think of my mates that were killed and certain things that happen,” Mr Spring said.
“You remember and think of them all times of the year, but this is a chance to do it publicly.
“My friends who were killed were from all over: Queensland, New South Wales, West Australia, South Australia.
“There’s not many of us (Vietnam Veterans) left in Cohuna anymore, there were only two of us today.
“Normally a few years back there were eight or 10 of us.”
With global tensions rising and conflicts increasingly breaking out, Mr Spring had a clear message.
“Most Australians are asleep at the wheel when it comes to possible threats we’ve got,” he said.
“And you never want the younger generations to have to make the same sacrifices.”
