DESPITE the many years that have passed since Australia’s most costly wars, support for Anzac Day has not waned, in the Eurobodalla or elsewhere.
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Batemans Bay RSL Sub-Branch secretary Les Arnould said that in the 15 years he had been here, Anzac Day has got bigger and bigger.
Mr Arnould, who served in the Vietnam War with the 5th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, believes that much of the support is being driven by a newer generation.
“A lot of young people are involved,” he said.
“A lot of schools are involved, such as students laying wreaths.”
Captain Sarah Sharkey of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) will be the guest of honour at this year’s Anzac march and ceremony at Batemans Bay.
Captain Sharkey has been in full-time service in the RAN since 1997, and is a recipient of the Australian Defence Medal, Australian Service Medal with Solomon Islands Clasp and the Defence Long Service Medal.
She was awarded a Chief of Army Commendation in 2001 for life-saving medical treatment provided to a soldier of the SAS Regiment.
B Squadron of the 1/15 Royal NSW Lancers will also take part in the ceremony.
The names on the Honour Stone have been refurbished by tradesman Ron Price so they are more visible.
Mr Arnould is requesting that schools donate book vouchers rather than wreaths this year.
The Batemans Bay ceremonies will begin with the dawn service at the Honour Stone in Clyde Street at 5.45am, followed by the march, which begins at 10am at the Soldiers’ Club car park in Flora Street, and proceeds to the Honour Stone.
Service and ex-service personnel and their partners are invited to join the Sub-Branch members at a luncheon at the Soldiers’ Club at noon.
Meanwhile, the Nelligen march will begin at the Old Steampacket Hotel at 11am (form-up is at 10.50am) and proceed to the Cenotaph for the Anzac commemoration service.
