By CASEY NEILL
“FUTURE generations need to be reminded that freedom has a cost.”
Guest speaker and parade marshal at the Dandenong RSL Anzac Day march on 25 April, Corporal Chris May was seriously injured serving Australia in Afghanistan.
He urged the 2000-strong crowd to remember those who “sacrificed the pleasure of growing old with their families and friends” and particularly keep today’s veterans in their thoughts.
Carry On Victoria president and MC Simon Bloomer said that since Anzacs landed at Gallipoli in 1915, 25 April was the one day of the year that involved the whole of Australia in solemn ceremonies of national pride.
“Many young lives on both sides had been ended far too early and others were forever damaged,” he said.
Mr Bloomer said this battle was the “first great test of our young men” and became a focal point for remembrance.
City of Greater Dandenong mayor Heang Tak said people of all ages, genders, backgrounds and religions had come together for the commemoration.
“There’s something special in this moment,” he said.
Reverend David Owen spoke of his gratitude because “I’ve never had to experience war”.
“It’s because of those we are here to remember this morning,” he said.
“Someone once said that history ignored is history repeated.”
To mark 50 years since the start of the Vietnam War, leading the march were Damien Nguyen, Catriona Nguyen-Robertson, Andy Le and Thang Vo.
Mr Vo, from Springvale, was marching for his father, who fought for South Vietnam.
He recalled visiting him at Nui Dat following a battle.
“It raged overnight. I was three or four years old,” he said.
“There were corpses everywhere.”
His father survived the war and immigrated to Australia with his family.
“His sacrifices for freedom … ” Mr Vo said.
“We won every battle but we lost the war.”
Youth leaders recite the Ode at the Dandenong Anzac service:
The Greater Dandenong Band marches past:
