This has been a special day for most of us and especially for those who have loved ones in the forces still or have been in the forces. It’s a day we stand aside to let them take the front seat, to remember those that lost their lives in any of the wars they’ve served in for whatever country they served for.
My Father and his two brothers all served in the British Armed Forces, one in the British Army, one in the Royal Navy and my Father in the Royal Air Force, pretty much covered all areas of enlistments I’d say…! All made it home safely but not without scars that lasted their lifetimes. My Father, when he emigrated here back in 1984 signed up with the RSL Hero’s club and became, along the track, one of their Presidents which for him was as big an honour as being in the forces.
He loved to partake in the Anzac Day services and did so until he couldn’t anymore. He was involved in all of the planning and ceremonial services that were held at Point Danger every year for as long as possible. It was always very special as it was for the family and the fact that he never served for Australia made no difference to him or any of us, it was purely the fact he “did his bit” as he said, and because of that fact he helped bring peace to the world…! My Father passed away the day after Anzac Day, his last words were “I’ve got to wait for my digger mates” he passed the next day...!
We all have our stories of loved ones who returned or didn’t return, or as consequence of war have loved ones who are still suffering now, let them know we will always remember and never forget them, in order that we can live a peaceful life…!
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On a lighter note, on Wednesday Rotary turned 💯and the celebrations were held everywhere, one way or another. Many cakes 🎂were no doubt constructed and consumed within the day and evening as well as a few glasses of something to do a ‘here’s cheers’…🍷🍷 with and join along with District Governor Phil and Judy… we, our club, had Birthday wishes from as far as India too…! Happy 100th Birthday 🎉Rotary…
This coming Monday will be an extremely interesting and eventful night as we have quite a number of guests joining us as well as our own Dr John Oswald talking about Rotary’s work in PNG together with Lucy Loco from the Rotary Club of Geelong. John has invited his guests along who are actually from Papua New Guinea so they can get a better understanding as to the work that Rotary does and has done for PNG throughout the years and just what goes on behind the scenes. I think that it will be enlightening for all of us too and a good opportunity to show our appreciation, we will also have 3 visiting Rotarians join us from the RC of Bayside Geelong.
This night will also have an Anzac feel about it too with many of you, hopefully, bringing along some very precious and special pieces of memorabilia of those from the past into the present. So polish up those medals, dust off and wear the slouch hat and bring along with pride.
President Jan
