‘Our veterans are often not seen’: Albany RSL urges community to thank veterans for service on Anzac Day

Thousands gathered for Albany’s Anzac Day commemorative service on Thursday against the stunning backdrop of Princess Royal Harbour — which for many soldiers was their last port before leaving Australian shores in 1914. Having gathered the masses as it marched down York Street, the parade settled in the Anzac Peace Park for the second service of the day, which began with the dawn service at the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial on Mt Clarence. The City of Albany Band performed a musical salute to the Anzacs before Dione Nesbitt joined them to sing the Australian and New Zealand national anthems. President of the Albany RSL Rex Hendriks delivered the welcome address, followed by a prayer by Reverend Canon Karen Cave and a Bible reading by RSL member Paul Hines. Representatives from each cohort of armed forces and youth groups lay a wreath, with the solemn air temporarily broken by students gleefully waving at their images on the large projector. St Joseph’s College student Lachlan Gorman read an interview extract from former Albany RSL member Alf Ewen, who discussed his time in North Africa for the Australians At War Film Archive. The letter recounted Mr Ewen’s postings in Egypt, Lebanon and Syria when he was a young man in World War II, describing constant relocations and having no idea “what the hell was going on” when he was sent to the battle of El Alamein. MC Brigadier Geoff Hand urged those gathered to respect veterans’ service. “Most veterans simply choose to get on with life and to ignore (the disrespect),” he said. “Regardless, our veterans are often not seen. “They go to work with you every day. They’re at schools, they’re in businesses, they’re in our community organisations. “The RSL thinks that it’s important that we say to our veterans ‘thank you for your service’.” This year’s keynote speaker — City of Albany councillor, veteran and emergency doctor Thomas Brough — reflected on his service in Timor-Leste, encouraging listeners to consider Australia’s sovereignty and power amid today’s tumultuous global politics. “It seems to me that Australia has been unready for every conflict we’ve ever been involved in — that is the expensive part of choosing to be weak,” he said. “Weakness is a provocation, but the strength of conviction to Anzac values is a shield. “Gratitude, sacrifice, courage, resilience, service above self. “Our cultural commitment to these Anzac values has safeguarded our national sovereignty thus far.” The service ended with the Albany Aero Club flying overhead and the marchers leaving to applause from the crowd.