“It was an honour and a rare opportunity for me to be able to meet and chat with Mr Whichelo on ANZAC Day, when we acknowledge the service and sacrifice of all brave Australians,” she said.
BUMPER crowds have turned out to mark ANZAC Day and recognise the 1.5 million service men and women who have served our country in conflicts, wars and peacekeeping operations.
It was aalso an opportunity to remember the 103,000 Australians who sacrificed their lives in our country’s name to keep our nation free.
Marking the 55th anniversary of the Vietnam War’s ‘turning point’, Merrylands RSL Sub-branch began their commemorations with an ANZAC Day march to Charles Mance Reserve in Merrylands, followed by a breakfast for service attendees at Merrylands RSL and Two-Up in the Swan Room.
Sub-branch president David Czerkies estimated there were over 2,500 in attendance at the service with the club hosting over 1,000 for breakfast.
The former army paramedic said it was exciting to see the record numbers.
“It was such a great morning and better attended than we could ever have expected after the last two disappointing years of rain and Covid,” he said.
It was also a big day and week for Cumberland Sub-branch which incorporates the Auburn, Granville and Strathfield chapters.
This year they took part in a range of ANZAC events – from Auburn Hospital and local nursing homes, to four schools and eight public war memorials including two ‘forgotten’ war memorials at the Railway Yards’ Memorial in Auburn and the Soldiers’ Memorial Hall in Guildford.
Hundreds attended the main event at Memorial Park in Granville from 6am on ANZAC Day followed by a Sub-branch breakfast at Granville Diggers RSL and then a wreath-laying service at Auburn Memorial at 8am as well as a 10am service at Davey Square Memorial in Homebush.
Lidcombe’s Remembrance Park was also a hive of activity from 5am with about 400 attending the service and wreath-laying, including army cadets, Girl Guides, local politicians and special guests, and later enjoying breakfast provided at Dooleys Catholic Clubs at Lidcombe and Regents Park.
