Harold Heathcote (left) with his certificate of 50 years service to the Returned and Services League, including Dandenong, and Dandenong RSL president Alec Kowarzik.By Shaun Inguanzo
DANDENONG RSL member Harold Heathcote has celebrated 50 years of commitment to the organisation with plenty of Christmas cheer.
The club’s function area was host to a full day of activities last Tuesday with a special Christmas dinner for war veterans from aged care homes throughout Greater Dandenong, and a performance by Dandenong Primary School students.
Dandenong RSL secretary John Laughton said 68 people enjoyed a memorable day, none other than Mr Heathcote, who was presented with a framed certificate commemorating his half-century of service.
Mr Laughton said it was not uncommon for World War II veterans to receive 50-year RSL awards, but added the award was still a significant achievement.
He said Dandenong Primary School’s choir sang several songs before taking time to speak with the city’s aged veterans, transported by various means, including the RSL’s own bus.
Mr Laughton thanked RSL members Frank Ferguson, Bill Knight and Alan Harper for their help in transporting the aged veterans to Dandenong RSL’s premises.
