ANZAC DAY 2022
RSL NSW is seeking all veterans of Middle East Operations , including Iraq and Afghanistan , to take a prominent place in marches this year , says President Ray James OAM .
Commemorate ANZAC Day locally
RSL NSW President Ray James OAM is encouraging anyone attending a commemoration service or observance for ANZAC Day , 25 April , to do it locally this year .
“ I encourage the people of NSW to stay safe , and keep our vulnerable veterans safe , by commemorating locally this ANZAC Day ,” he said .
“ ANZAC Day has always belonged to the Australian people and that was evident the last two years when millions of people took to their driveways during the COVID-19 pandemic to personally commemorate veterans by lighting up the dawn .
“ As the custodians of the ANZAC spirit , RSL NSW and its sub-Branches work tirelessly to ensure that people honour the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have served their country in all conflicts .”
This year marks the first anniversary of Australia ’ s withdrawal from Afghanistan and the end of Australian ’ s large-scale military commitment to the Middle East since 1991 , the 50th Anniversary of the withdrawal of the Australian Task Force from Vietnam , and the 80th anniversary of significant WWII battles to the north of Australia .
Mr James said veterans of Middle East Operations , including Iraq and Afghanistan , are invited to take a place of prominence in the Sydney CBD March , which attracts up to 15,000 veterans , their descendants , and observers .
The ANZAC Day Sydney 2022 dawn service will commence at 4.30am in Martin Place , with wreath laying . The march will start at 9:00am on the corner of Elizabeth Street and Martin Place , walking past the ANZAC Memorial at Hyde Park .
The ABC will broadcast the March live on ANZAC Day , and it will also be streamed live on the RSL NSW Facebook page and will be available to view on iView .
For details on ANZAC Day services in Hawkesbury City , check your local RSL sub-Branch ’ s Facebook page .
Don ’ t Forget Me Cobber
BY TOMAS HAMILTON
“ Don ’ t forget me cobber ,” the cry rang out from hell That was Fromelles bloody battlefield , where five thousand diggers fell The soldier froze in his retreat , then turned to face that voice
And ran back to save his wounded friend , for he knew he had no choice
As we approach ANZAC Day , I would like to pay tribute to all veterans who have served our nation throughout our history .
I am grateful that our local RSL Clubs continue to be the conduit in honouring the sacrifice and service of our veterans .
Australian soldiers have always been known throughout history to stand up to challenges and use their fighting spirit . It is a reputation we can be proud of .
Let us watch out for the veterans in our community who quietly cope but would benefit from us lending a hand . It ’ s the least we can do for those who fought for our freedom .
That plea made so long ago , has echoed down through time It ’ a comfort when someone is there , when your life is on the line Though they may pay the highest price , in answer to that call To lay down your life for your fellow man , is the greatest gift of all
Those who wore the uniform and safely returned Bore within their selfless souls , the ANZAC torch that burned For there were other wars to fight , against man and nature ’ s threat Now their own descendants , stand firm without regret
When bushfire ’ s flames devour the sky , as Hades scorched the earth These volunteers in harm ’ s way , truly proved their worth Before the cyclone ’ s howling scythe , or surging flooding tide Those who rise for no reward , fill our hearts with pride
You may call me jingolistic , but when word is matched by deed That rescue on the fields of France , sowed the bravest seed When deadly threats confront us , there is something you will find When an Aussie is in danger , you don ’ t leave your mates behind .
32 ISSUE 143 // APRIL 2022 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT