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THOUSANDS gathered along Deakin Avenue and in Henderson Park on Anzac Day to honour those who served.

The weather couldn’t have been better for the march and commemoration service.

Attendees stood in solidarity and listened to a moving speech from guest speaker Major Robert Bailey, before a minute’s silence and observing the placing of the wreaths by veterans and dignitaries.

Vietnam War veteran Ken Morrison, from Bendigo, said he was pleased with the turnout and the ceremony.

“‘I think it went off really well, especially the wreath laying it was very fluid, the guest speaker was also great, I enjoyed it thoroughly,” he said.

Mr Morrison said Anzac Day was about remembering those who had served their country and educating youth on the realities of war.

“It is important to remember the sacrifices that everyone made in war through the years,” he said.

“I lost a good mate in Vietnam and I always think of him, my dad was in World War II and my grandfather was in World War I and I think of them.

“The history needs to be passed on down through the years, so the young people can know exactly what happened and hopefully avoid wars in the future.

“It also helps them appreciate why the adults are so solemn.

“My message to the youth would be to respect the elders, respect the veterans and as they get older, make sure we don’t have wars in the future.”

Korean war veteran Peter Whitfield echoed these sentiments.

“Anzac Day is the day where we come to give thanks to all those men, women and children who died in an effort to keep our country free – women and children in war zones often suffer the most,” he said.

“It is imperative that they know who kept this country free and wonderful for them and they should realise war is not a thing we should have, negotiations should be made through peace, not with a gun.”

Article written by: Jack Evans

Article provided by The Sunraysia Daily
https://www.sunraysiadaily.com.au