WALKING the Kokoda Track is a physical and emotional experience which allows Australians to appreciate what World War II Diggers did for the benefit of all Australians.
That was the message Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh gave to a large crowd gathered at the Swan Hill cenotaph for the morning service yesterday.
He said the experiences of people who walked the track did not compare to the efforts of soldiers who did it with hob nailed boots, canvas back packs and heavy 303s.
But Mr Walsh said the efforts of those today did give people an understanding of the significance of the defeat of Japan in that theatre of war.
Japan had seemed invincible, taking Singapore, bombing Pearl Harbour, and the battle in the Coral Sea.
Its attempt to traverse the Owen Stanley Ranges placed Australia at great risk, until they met the soldiers of Australia’s 28th and 59th divisions, Mr Walsh said.
He said the experiences people have of Kokoda today was incomprehensible compared to the sufferings of soldiers with dysentery, typhoid and starvation to the extent that they lost half their body weight.
Referring to RSL sponsored treks of students to Kokoda, Mr Walsh said “we are doing our bit to ensure the next generation understands what went on in the theatre of war which saved Australia”.
Swan Hill RSL sub branch president Peter Richie said Anzac Day was a time to reflect on the contribution made by all past and present servicemen and women who displayed great courage, discipline and self sacrifice in choosing a life of service to the country.
Wreaths were laid by students from local primary and secondary schools, VicPol, SES, CFA and a number of community organisations.
Swan Hill College students Emillie Ward and Oscar Holland compered the presentations by students from Swan Hill and surrounding schools.
Poems and readings were presented by Jack Helgeland from MacKillop College, Jack Summerhayes from Lake Boga Primary School, Lachie Roberts and Patrick Thoolan from Swan Hill Specialist School, Chloe Cunningham from Swan Hill Primary School, Coby Rodriguez from Swan Hill North Primary School, Spahie Smith from the Son Centre Christian College, Ebony Hungerford from Nyah West Primary School, Kathleen Kennedy and Henry O’Bryan from St Mary’s Primary School, Steff Singleton from Beverford District Primary School, and Alexander Morpeth from Woorinen Primary School.
Bugler Damien Howison played the Last Post and Rouse, with a minute’s silence between.
Members of the 411 squadron RAAF cadets raised the cenotaph flags.
