Services about honour and sacrifice

BENDIGO RSL will hold dawn and commemorative services this Anzac Day, 25 April, to remember military service men and women lost during wartime conflict and peace keeping operations.

Local branch president Peter Swandale said the public is encouraged to attend the events and he hopes people will also show their support by purchasing Anzac Appeal badge.

“We want them to be part of it because it’s about community, about everybody being a part of that day,” he said.

“Service life is difficult, no matter how long you’ve been in, and the sacrifice of the families of anybody who’s served is a huge thing. It’s just an opportunity to say thank you.

“The Anzac Appeal is very important for us to be able to get that money to do programs to support the welfare of veterans.

“We’re seeing an increase of veterans, particularly Afghanistan veterans, reaching out. We still have homeless veterans.”

Mr Swandale said Anzac Day services are away pay tribute to veterans and serving Australian Defence Force personnel.

“We’re there to maintain that dignity and to make sure that it’s done correctly,” he said.

“It’s community-based, Anzac Day, because it’s about an opportunity for everyone, particularly veterans, to remember family, their mates.

“I remember those who I’ve served with and those who have passed during my time, and I give them a quick, ‘hey, I still remember you’.”

A long-serving member of the Army, Mr Swandale took park in three deployments and is still involved part-time through Reserves.

“It’s been my life and I wouldn’t swap it for anything,” he said.

As part of the Bendigo Anzac Day events, and to mark the 50 anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, veteran Paul Penno will speak about his experiences and the influence the war has on veterans today.