Veterans united in conflict

By Shaun Inguanzo
DIFFERENT wars, but a common cause.
That’s the message the war veterans around Greater Dandenong are hoping to send to residents this year in the lead up to Anzac Day celebrations.
To promote the message, a band of dedicated war veterans who served in a variety of conflicts are working side by side to sell Anzac Day badges and related paraphernalia at a stall located within the Dandenong Plaza.
According to Dandenong RSL Welfare Committee chairman John Filmer, the Anzac spirit applies to all servicemen and women of past, present and future – a message that needed to be made clear to residents.
Two of the veterans manning the Dandenong Plaza stall are Michael North and Eugene Blaney.
Mr North, 63, is a Vietnam Veteran who recalls, with unease, being spat on while outside an army base in Melbourne in the 1970s when the general public was opposed to the war.
Mr North was called up under national service to serve in the Dental Corp, and said it wasn’t until the belated Welcome Home march in the 1980s that he felt truly welcome again in Australia.
Mr North said that although the Anzac spirit was rooted in the history of World War I, it was important that veterans from other conflicts from World War II onwards, and including the present day, were canvassed in celebrations to avoid a repeat of the Vietnam War homecoming.
Mr Blaney, who served with Britain’s Royal Navy during World War II before moving to Australia shortly after and spending six years with the Royal Australian Navy, said Anzac Day was about recognising those who had served the country.
Mr Blaney said people’s support for the day had not wavered, with one man popping a $50 note into the collection tin this week without even wanting a badge.
“You’d be surprised how aware the young ones are of Anzac Day,” he said.
“With more publicity now through the radio, television and newspapers and all that – everyone can read these days.”
Mr Filmer said the stall had raised more than $1200 so far, a reflection of the Dandenong RSL being one of the top 10 sub-branches to raise money during Anzac Day.
The funds go towards supporting ex-servicemen, women and their families.