By Mikayla van Loon
In its third year, Mercy Place Montrose hosted a special Anzac Day service for its residents to honour and remember their service on Australia’s frontlines.
A tradition that started in 2021 as a bucket list item for one of Mercy Place’s residents, Private Bill Morris, a World War II veteran who wanted to experience one more Anzac Day, has continued as a valued part of the aged care home’s calendar.
Although hanging on to experience two services in the end, Mr Morris died after a long battle with illness.
Despite him not being here, lifestyle coordinator Deidre Halligan said it was important for Mercy Place to honour all residents for their service.
“Residents and staff at Mercy Place Montrose believe it’s important to honour and recognise the service and sacrifices made by our residents who served to protect this nation,” she said.
“Our Anzac Day service is an opportunity for the home to come together as a community to pay tribute and respect to their bravery. I am privileged to organise this service to honour their legacy and to acknowledge the sacrifices they made for our freedom.”
Recognised in this year’s service were serving members of the Reserve Forces John Cumming and Colin Bowater, as well as Korean War veteran Eric Philpot.
Having served in the Reserve Forces from 1953-1959, Mr Cumming was the recipient of an Aussie Hero Quilt to acknowledge him for his dedication to Australia.
“Anzac Day is a reminder for me that every contribution to our nation’s history is valuable, whether it was during the wars or not,” he said.
“It’s important that we honour and remember all those who have served, and continue to serve, to protect our country and our way of life.”
For Mr Philpot, Anzac Day is a time to remember the sacrifices made throughout all wars.
“As a member of the Australian Army during the Korean War between 1951 to 1953, I was called upon to support our allies and to defend our values,” he said.
“Anzac Day is important to me as it honours the sacrifices made by those who served in this war, and the impact it had on our nation.”
As a long time member of the Reserve Forces, from 1968 to 1990, Mr Bowater said he served during a time of challenges for Australia.
“Anzac Day is a chance for all to reflect and pay tribute to those who served alongside me and the other Anzacs.
“It’s important we remember the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women, and the impact their service had on our nation’s history. I am proud to have served my country and to be a part of this commemoration.”
Not only were those who joined the armed forces acknowledged, the women who lost husbands and helped on home soil to support Australia’s fighters were honoured.
World War II seamstress Leila Fraser recalled her time during the war, befriending and supporting those around her.
“As a seamstress during World War II, I supported the Australian soldiers by making their clothes and uniforms,” she said.
“I also forged lasting relationships with American soldiers, who were so far away from their homes and families, and allies of the Anzacs.
“Mercy Place Montrose’s Anzac Day service is important to me as it also recognises the contributions of those who supported the war effort in other ways. I am grateful to be able to share my story.”
