By Casey Neill
“May we and our successors prove worthy of their sacrifice.”
Healesville RSL sub-branch commemorations officer Bob Gannaway hosted the club’s Anzac Day service in brilliant sunshine on Thursday 25 April.
Australian classic Waltzing Matilda played as a dozens-strong procession made its way from Church Street to outside The Memo.
Hundreds of people lined the main street, waving Australian flags and cheering on the marchers.
Mr Gannaway, told the crowd that gathered for the 10am service that the dawn service had commemorated the 1951 Battle of Kapyong in the Korean War.
He said it had become customary to detail a local family’s service history at the late-morning tribute and this year spoke about the Osbornes, who now call Healesville home.
Jack and Jean, nee Ashmore, grew up in the Christmas Hills/Yarra Glen area.
They married after Jack returned from serving in New Guinea during World War II.
Jean’s uncle enlisted in 1914 and was killed in Gallipoli the following year. Her father enlisted shortly after, but thankfully returned home.
One of Jack and Jean’s sons served in Vietnam, and their daughter took up writing letters to another soldier serving in the conflict.
The pen pals hadn’t met before the war, but married when he returned to Australia.
“They’re a remarkable family,” Mr Gannaway said.
Guest speaker Captain Ian Green from the Royal Australian Engineers said it was 20 years since Australia joined the International Force East Timor (InterFET) peacekeeping effort in East Timor.
He said Australia contributed nearly 6000 personnel to the campaign.
“The legend of Anzac lives within us all,” he said.
“It is from us, Australians, that the ranks of the Australian Defence Force are filled.”
Students from Chum Creek Primary School performed the New Zealand and Australian national anthems in sign language alongside a choir.
Mr Gannaway concluded the service by thanking the crowd, particularly the youngsters present.
“We are absolutely delighted to have you here. You are the future of Anzac Day,” he said.
