ANZAC Day Commemorated with Honour
Tuesday 9 May 2017
ANZAC Day is an important reminder to us all of the sacrifice of our Defence Forces past and present. For the Vasey RSL Care community, its relevance is all the greater, thanks to our long-standing tradition of supporting the ex-service community and so many of our residents, clients and consumers being war widows and veterans.
ANZAC Hostel in Brighton marked ANZAC Day together with Star of the Sea School, which shares the lovely Kamesburgh Gardens with our home and our Health & Wellbeing for Seniors Centre. Residents, guests and staff mingled with students and teaching staff, with special guest, Chief Petty Officer Narelle Neve from HMAS Cerberus present to provide an address. GM – HR, Susan Marsenic, residents and students laid wreaths in remembrance of those who have given their lives for our freedom.
Vasey Brighton East held their service of commemoration indoors due to the poor weather forecast for ANZAC Day. Representing the Australian Defence Forces from HMAS Cerberus, Captain Effy Georgiou gave an address about the importance of remembering all involved in war without glorifying war itself.
CEO, Janna Voloshin laid a wreath for nurses, and Colonel Lewis Coyle laid a wreath for the armed forces. It was very moving to see residents proudly wearing the medals that they and their loved ones have earned in their defence of our country.
Sir William Hall Hostel residents, guests and staff in Ivanhoe marked ANZAC Day with a service indoors, followed by laying of wreaths and raising the flag in the front courtyard.
Chief Petty Officer Al Winning from HMAS Cerberus address those present, before moving outdoors to raise the flag.
RSL Park in Frankston South had a full hall of residents and guests, and welcomed Able Seaman Rebecca Little (Navy), who gave an address, and Corporal Gibson (Air Force), from HMAS Cerberus at Crib Point.
It was a solemn occasion and a time to remember those who lost their lives fighting for the freedom we enjoy today, as well as those who fought and survived, and those who still protect our country. The rain came down as the wreaths were laid and the flag raised outside.
Vasey House in Bundoora commemorated ANZAC Day with residents, guests and staff, as well as students and teaching staff from Parade College, Chief Petty Officer Andrea Marsh from HMAS Cerberus and Sgt Penhall from Simpson Barracks.
Sgt Penhall lead a donkey, to represent all the donkeys that helped rescue the wounded from the battlefields during WWI, saving many lives. He also gave an address and the Last Post was sounded by a student from Parade College.
