By Mikayla van Loon
Men, women, children and pets lined the streets and the grounds around the Lilydale cenotaph on the cold, brisk morning of Monday 25 April to pay tribute to those who served this country in all wars.
Aiming for pre-Covid numbers of 5000, it was clear the people came flocking for the first full service in two years and the foggy haze that cast itself over the suburb did not deter the community.
The light of the eternal flame illuminated the war memorial as the mounting of the 408 Squadron catafalque party took place to begin the service.
Lilydale RSL president Bill Dobson said there were many ways to honour the Anzacs but one of the best ways was to attend a dawn service, for that he said thank you to all those who were in attendance.
As 2022 marked both the 60th anniversary of Australia’s first deployment in the Vietnam War and 50 years since the last soldiers returned home, Mr Dobson said it was important to hear from a Vietnam veteran on this occasion.
John O’Donohue spoke of Australia’s involvement in the war, its alliance with New Zealand and the United States and conscription.
Although the war in Afghanistan surpassed Vietnam as the longest conflict Australia was involved in, Vietnam remains the largest campaign in terms of the number of personnel committed.
“We must remember for the soldiers it was a duty to answer their country’s call and carry out the mission that they were given. They did this with courage and distinction,” Mr O’Donohue said.
“So let us remember all those who served in Vietnam, whatever they’re role and especially those who lost their lives doing their duty. Let us also remember the thousands who came home permanently scarred by the physical and psychological trauma of the war and also the families who provided them with comfort and support.”
The Lilydale RSL places a large emphasis on encouraging younger veterans to share their experiences and be recognised for their service, like army reserves member Corporal Brett Grayling.
“I wanted to introduce a contemporary veteran who’s also in the ADF. Someone who has come back and has been going out to the floods and fire and Covid,” Mr Dobson said.
“I thought it would be important to include a veteran like that because they’re not really recognized otherwise.”
