Veterans ready to march

ANZAC Day celebrations will be back to normal this year with the community coming together to remember those who’ve served.

Events will take place across the region, including at the Soldier’s Memorial Institute Military Museum, with the traditional dawn service at 6am followed by a veterans’ march at 10.15am and commemorative service at 10.40am.

Pall Mall will be closed during the celebrations and attendees will be required to sign in via QR code.

President of the Bendigo District RSL sub-branch Peter Swandale said he’s very pleased to have a sense of familiarity back in the service.

“Normally we’d have a lot more marching but due to COVID restrictions we’ve reduced it down to veterans only,” he said.

“It gives an opportunity for veterans to be proud and march and it gives an opportunity for the community to say thank you and that’s probably the most important thing.

“It’s also for those ones who have passed and particularly those who have paid the supreme sacrifice, it’s really important to remember those.”

Anzac Day 2020 saw all services cancelled and instead Australians stood at the top of their driveways holding candles in a moving yet very different ceremony.

Mr Swandale said it will be very special to see everyone together on Sunday.

“Last year was a very sombre moment for me laying the sole wreath for our veterans and for the community,” he said.

“This year, [the veterans] are keen to come out, Anzac Day is all about together as a community.”

Among those marching will be Greg Farmer, Iraq veteran and former member of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment.

He will be joined by Afghanistan veteran Will Bailey, who sustained a gunshot wound to his ankle while on deployment in 2011.

To support current and former service men and women of the Bendigo District RSL Sub-Branch visit appeals.bendigorsl.com.au.