By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
THERE was no way Albert ‘Bert’ Wragg was going to miss today’s Remembrance Day service.
The former Royal Naval Air Service first-class engine fitter hasn’t missed since joining up in 1976.
Mr Wragg sat in his motorised scooter to the side of the 150-strong crowd at Dandenong’s Pillars of Freedom service.
He stood, not without a stumble, to pay tribute during the Last Post and a minute’s silence, to throw down a red poppy at the cenotaph and then for the Australian and British national anthems.
He makes the effort because he remembers relatives that served, including an uncle who died at the Somme.
“This day means so much to me,” Mr Wragg said.
“It’s great that in my life I remember. It’s not a day of mourning, it’s Lest We Forget.”
Dandenong-Cranbourne RSL president John Wells made mention of Mr Wragg’s “colossal” effort.
Mr Wells said young people could learn from the Harmony Village resident’s spirit and commitment.
“These old soldiers will keep getting out of bed and wheelchairs for this.
“The message we should get from this is it’s about those values: duty, responsibility and sucking it up when life gets hard.
“No-one said it’s been a long, hard season, so let’s have a bye.”
Stand with the crowd at the Dandenong service as the bugler plays the Last Post:
