Poignant words: Vietnam Veterans' Association of Victoria president Bob Elworthy AM at Mathoura on Remembrance Day.
Photo by
Gregor Mactaggart
One of the most poignant addresses on Remembrance Day 2023 took place in Mathoura.
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Special guest Bob Elworthy AM, the president of the Vietnam Veterans’ Association of Victoria, encapsulated the difference between Remembrance Day and Anzac Day like no-one before.
“Anzac Day is my day, the diggers day, we march proudly behind banners, cheered on by patriotic crowds,” Major (ret) Elworthy said.
“Remembrance Day is a day for all Australians, there’s no marching, no crowds, and we are drawn together by a sense of sadness, of thanks for those who did not come home.
“It is a time for collective reflection, a time of national mourning.
“We also acknowledge the futility of war and the loss of more than 100,000 Australians in war.
“It is a painful, sharp reminder of the loss of so many loved ones ... the wives, the mothers who lost their husbands and sons.
Pride: Mathoura Public School students took part in the Remembrance Day service, singing the national anthem.
Photo by
Gregor Mactaggart
“If you drive through any town across the country, towns like Mathoura, you will see war memorials like this one dedicated to men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“It seems no town, no community was spared ... touch the names on the memorial because behind the letters of each name is a story of someone who loved and was loved, someone who answered the call to service their country destined never to return.
Respect: The public in attendance at Mathoura's Remembrance Day service.
Photo by
Gregor Mactaggart
“Remembrance Day allows us to maintain a bond with those who gave their tomorrows for my today.”
Remembering them: Murray River Councillor Tom Weyrich lays a wreath in Mathoura.
Photo by
Gregor Mactaggart
Maj Elworthy was joined by his wife Lyn for the Mathoura service, which was attended by a crowd of about 100 people.
Wreaths were laid by relatives of the fallen and Legacy, Mathoura RSL sub-branch president John Petschauer and Maj Elworthy, Murray River Councillor Tom Weyrich, Mathoura Public School students, members of the Rural Fire Service and Mathoura Football-Netball Club, along with Mathoura RSL sub-branch secretary Sue Wilson.
Mr Petschauer, who delivered a fine rendition of The Ode of Remembrance, said it was terrific to see such a fine turnout.
“We were concerned about the heat, but a number of people were able to find some shade and it was wonderful to see them in attendance,” Mr Petschauer said.
“It was terrific to have Bob and Lyn here, he normally would have been in Melbourne, but we were rapt when he accepted our invitation to be part of this service.
“Thanks to all the volunteers who were part of the service, and also to the Mathoura Public School students for singing the national anthem.”
Following the service, the public enjoyed the chance to partake in some morning tea at the Mathoura-Murray Shire War Memorial Hall.
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