YOUNG and old marked Anzac Day this year, as a new generation took on the duty of commemorating those who have served the country in times of war.
Swan Hill RSL subbranch president Peter Ritchie said it was great to have so many members of the community together to mark the day after two years off with COVID-19 restrictions.
“Two years ago there were only three of us here today,” he told the sizeable crowd yesterday.
Swan Hill College students Abbey Delmenico and Sophie Kelly did a brilliant job emceeing the event, while local Vietnam veterans marked the upcoming 50th anniversary of the end of Australian involvement in that conflict and took pride of place at the front of the march.
Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster was guest speaker and said it was terrific to see the younger generations so engaged with the day.
There were plenty of young people remembering their own family connections to various wars including 10-year-old Charlize Baumgurtel.
Charlize was carrying more than 100 years of history including the medals of her grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great grandfather.
Matt Rowlands also remembered his great-grandfather Harold Slater who served in both WW1 and WW2. Mr Rowlands attended alongside his former neighbour Vietnam veteran Denis Power.
Sasha Hayes and Bev Beasy were also in attendance, representing the seven local Hutchins boys from Woorinen who served overseas in WW2, four of whom died during their time serving their country.
No Australian family would suffer a greater loss of life during that war.
