Supporting the Wycheproof RSL sub-branch on ANZAC Day are, left to right, John McLean, Peter Bell, Dylan and Baxter Connelly (representing their grandfather, Gus Allan), Spencer Allan (representing his grandfather Tex Allan, who served together with Gus in WWII), and Wyche. RSL’s communications officer, Roy Daykin.
Guest speaker Gary Russell shares funny experiences from the Vietnam war, as well as reminding those gathered that not everyone returns home from war with a sense of humour intact.
Buloke Shire Mayor Alan Getley, Wycheproof RSL sub-branch president Graeme “Tiger” Allan, and guest speaker, Vietnam veteran Gary Russell.
At Centenary Park, Wycheproof, flags were lowered to half mast, while the Last Post was played.
Observing a minute’s silence on ANZAC Day to honour those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
Wycheproof’s strong commitment to its RSL shone through again this year with a well-attended ANZAC Day service in Centenary Park.
President of the Wycheproof RSL sub-branch, Graeme “Tiger” Allan, welcomed those assembled and introduced the guest speaker for the morning, Vietnam Vet, Gary Russell.
Gary shared some funny stories of his experiences in Vietnam, one story in particular of his response to “Tigers in Vietnam” drew much laughter from those assembled.
“Because a sense of humour is important,” Graeme “Tiger” Allan reminded everyone. A sense of humour is what gets you through such difficult times.
“And some of these blokes can come back a little messed up,” he said, putting it lightly. The statistics are in actual fact quite staggering. But that was not what this assembly was about.
“We’re here to celebrate,” said Graeme. “Celebrate our freedom and honour those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for it.”
For those gathered in the sunshine, at the beautiful Centenary Park, the children laughing and playing in the background provided the perfect soundtrack to that freedom. Flags were lowered to half mast as all stood for the last post and to observe a minute’s silence. Lest we forget.
It is easy to see why the Wycheproof RSL sub-branch was awarded with Wycheproof’s event of the year for its ANZAC Day service in 2022.
The support of numerous members of the community was apparent on the day, from the setting up of the chairs in the very early hours of the morning prior to the dawn service, to the barbecue lunch catered by the Wycheproof-Narraport Hockey Club following the service.
Melissa Gaylor led the audience singing the National Anthem, accompanied by the Wycheproof Charlton Community Brass Band, which sup-ported the other hymns on the day as well. It seems that an entire community and its surrounds are in full support of the Wycheproof RSL sub-branch, and committed to honouring its fallen service men and women.
It is a credit to the RSL sub-branch and to the entire community of Wycheproof, to see so many assembled to remember, in such a fitting way, the great sacrifice of those who fought for our freedom.
