Emerald RSL Sub-Branch Inc.
Anzac Day 2023
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Anzac Day is the culmination of many days of organising by members of the Emerald RSL. Events include the Dawn Service, the veterans and community march and the Morning Service followed by traditional two-up in the Club grounds. This year the theme adopted by the RSL was Vietnam and National Service back in 1965.
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Starting two weeks prior with the “planting” of thousands of poppies all over our township, this year we even made the city news weather report.
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The Dawn Service attracts people from all over Melbourne who joined in excess of 3000 local residents who came to pay their respects to those who fought for Australia. Puffing Billy saluted in the traditional fashion and the school and college students spoke well. Singer Mark Fenby was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for 13 years of service to the RSL and sang the famous Vietnam song, ”I was only 19” at the Dawn Service.
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The March from the town centre was witnessed by thousands of residents who also participated in the community groups in the march.
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The MC for the day was the RSL Vice President Kane Falconer who presented the keynote address about how the Natios and Vietnam Veterans survived the war and how they were treated on their homecoming.
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During the Morning Service veteran aircraft - Trojans and Kitty hawks did a low flyover of Anzac Place.​
