ANZAC Day can “bring a tear to the eye, a lump in the throat and a feeling of pride, just to be Australian”.
Member for Murray Plains, Peter Walsh was speaking as he lauded the Returned and Services League, formed 100 years ago to support serving and ex-service defence force members and their families, at Cohuna’s commemoration service.
“Every year we do come here to commemorate our fallen. Every year we come to the same place, same time and say the same things and the crowds continue to grow,” he said in front of more than 400 people at the Cohuna Memorial Hall.
“This is because it is not the same each year. Every year is special and appreciated by thousands of children for their families and for lost loved ones.
“For a lot of young children it was their first time to lay a wreath, and particularly an opportunity for them to march with their grandparents to remember their family history.”
Mr Walsh said the Returned and Services League was formed in 1916 by troops returning from World War One with the purpose of preserving the spirit of mateship formed amid carnage of horror of battle, to honour the memory of the fallen and to help each other whenever required.
“The underlying philosophy of the League is mateship and this is as true now as it was in 1916,” he said.
In 1916, there was no formal government welfare service for veterans and the RSL committed itself to provide for the sick, wounded and needy among those that had served including their dependants, Mr Walsh said.
Earlier, Mr Walsh officially dedicated the new World War One memorial at the Cohuna civic centre in front of more than 400 people.
“We newly dedicate this site as a place where people will gather to share experiences, or just stand alone with a thought not shared with anyone,” he said.
“We dedicate this memorial as a place our children will learn lessons of freedom, and their parents and grandparents.
“We also dedicate this memorial as a place where those coming after us will recognise our desire to acknowledge those who sacrificed so much for our freedom.”
The Bendigo Highland Pipe Band led more than 200 people, including Cohuna/Leitchville sub-branch Returned and Services League members, school children and community group representatives, along the town’s streets for the traditional parade, which ended at the new memorial.
