For members of the Werribee RSL, Anzac Day is a time to catch up with friends and remember the sacrifices of those who gave their lives in armed conflicts.
The RSL sub-branch’s president Daryl Ryan and vice-president David ‘Paddy’ McDiarmid, who is also the club’s appeals officer, said April 25 was a day of both happiness and sadness.
“It’s to catch up with your mates,” Mr Ryan said.
“For those who have passed on, I think it’s also to reflect on what they did, they gave their lives – more than 60,000 Australians died in World War I.”
Mr McDiarmid and Mr Ryan encourage Wyndham residents to support this year’s Anzac Appeal.
Every year in the lead-up to Anzac Day, the two men deliver “honesty boxes” of Anzac badges to venues across Wyndham, including Bunnings, Pacific Werribee, Coles, Woolworths, nursing homes and car yards.
Mr Ryan said they would also deliver the boxes to 49 schools in the municipality.
As well, volunteers will help to sell the badges at sites throughout Wyndham.
Mr McDiarmid said the funds raised from selling the badges were put towards worthwhile causes, such as helping to pay rent and bills of Australian Defence Force veterans.
He said the funds also helped to run the Werribee RSL’s welfare bus, which takes veterans to medical appointments.
“Every year, whatever we raise from the sale of badges, we send back to Anzac House, and they send half back to us,” Mr McDiarmid said.
See www.anzacappeal.com.au for details.
