Strong support for Bendigo Dawn Service

HUNDREDS of people gathered at Soldiers Memorial Institute in Bendigo for the Anzac Day Dawn Service on Tuesday.

The event marked both 50 years since the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War, and 70 years since the conclusion of the Korean War, with both cause for reflection alongside the nation’s military sacrifices in World War One and Two.

Senior vice-president of the Bendigo District RSL sub-branch Glenn Ludeman said the theme of this year’s service was Side by Side in recognition Australia’s participation in the Vietnam War.

“To acknowledge the end of an operational deployment in Vietnam and therefore closing an extensive chapter that is now 50 years ago,” said Mr Ludeman.

“This chapter included over 60,000 Australians with 523 killed as a result of the war, and over 2400 wounded.”

While half-a-century has passed since the end of the Vietnam War, Mr Ludeman said it was important to acknowledge Australia’s involvement in the conflict.

“History has two important lessons from that experience. First, that voicing opposition to Australia’s involvement was a democratic right,” he said. “Brave young people were fought, suffered, and died to secure that right.

“Second, that in exercising the right to oppose a war, one should nevertheless support and respect those whom the Government sends to fight it.”

During the Korean War, 339 Australian service personnel died and another 1200 suffered injuries.

Ex-serviceman Julian Howe was a tank crewman in the Australian Army for 11 years and said events like the Dawn Service were important to him.

“They remember fallen friends I’ve served with, and the Anzacs that paved the way for us and for the country,’ he said. “Just their sacrifice for what we enjoy today.”

Guest speaker Reverend John South acknowledged the burden of war on families and the trauma that can remain long after the fighting.

“Especially the loved ones of those who paid the ultimate price,” he said. “We also remember those who returned damaged in mind, body, or spirit.

“Some even now still affected by the service on behalf of our nation in more recent conflicts. May we as a nation provide the very best of care for them.”

Also in attendance was group of women from South Australia who were on their way to a festival Bright but braved the morning cold to attend the Bendigo Dawn Service.

“We’re here for a couple of days, and we’ve come to join the morning service,” said Marie Kelsh. “It’s wonderful, can’t believe the amount of people that are here.”