VICE-president of the Heathcote RSL sub-branch Miles Humphrey said he was impressed with the number of people who attended the commemorative service in the town on Anzac Day.<\/p>\n
People spilled out of the RSL Hall into the foyer, and Mr Humphrey said the organisations will need to look at changing seating arrangements next year to accommodate everyone.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe turnout was excellent. It gets bigger and better every year,\u201d he said. \u201cWell over 300 people, and the community keeps supporting every year so it\u2019s fantastic.\u201d<\/p>\n
During the service Australian Army artillery gunnery instructor at Puckapunyal, Capitan Nicholas Noonan, reflected upon the sacrifice of the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who fought and died at Gallipoli.<\/p>\n
\u201cMore than 2000 Australians were killed or wounded on this day in 1915,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough the task before them became untenable, it led to a national identity, forging the Anzac spirit, and is carried still through generations of Australian soldiers serving our nation.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m proud to be part of this tradition that encompasses all Australians, and I\u2019m thankful for this opportunity to represent my fellow Anzacs who I\u2019ve served with and will continue to serve alongside.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis year also marks 50 years since the end of the involvement in the Vietnam War.<\/p>\n
\u201cOver 60,000 Australians served throughout the Vietnam War, more than 3000 were wounded, and 523 gave the ultimate sacrifice for their mates and their country.\u201d<\/p>\n
Capitan Noonan said he was proud to be training young soldiers who will continue the Anzac spirit.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs we look into the future, I believe the army and the defence force will be strengthened by the young soldiers that we train through the School of Artillery at Puckapunyal,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese individuals will carry that Anzac spirit, demonstrating the best of our values.\u201d<\/p>\n
President of the sub-branch, David Wherrett, usually MCs the service though was unable to this year due to his health.<\/p>\n
Mr Wherrett served in the ADF for 20 years and fought in the Vietnam War.<\/p>\n
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