Corporals Martyn Woodgate, James Ash, Callum Macklan, Philip Hunt and Zach Campbell and Sergeant Andrew Byrd from the Army School of Ordinance, Wodonga.
Photo by
Michael Lloyd
The town of Mathoura put on a marvellous display of respect for the servicemen and servicewomen who gave their lives in past conflicts on Anzac Day.
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In attendance was a small group of soldiers from the Army School of Ordinance who drove over from Wodonga to perform the role of honour guard at the wreath laying ceremony.
They wore their finest ceremonial dress and gave the event the necessary gravitas the occasion deserved, with Sergeant Andrew Byrd offering this:
“It was wonderful to be a part of the ceremony,” he said.
The event started at the Mathoura Uniting Church with Mathoura RSL sub-branch president John Petschauser giving the welcome and opening address as well as the final closing address.
On the march: Sergeant Andrew Byrd leads the procession from the Mathoura Uniting Church to the Mathoura Memorial Park.
Photo by
Michael Lloyd
After which the procession was led by Sgt Byrd and featured members of Mathoura’s community who re-enacted the Light Horse brigade to the Mathoura Memorial Park.
Mr Petschauser, who was joined by his wife Susanne Wilson, shared his story of service.
He was called up for national service in 1971, one year before then Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam cancelled the program.
Mathoura RSL sub-branch president John Petschauser and guest speaker Susanne Wilson.
Photo by
Michael Lloyd
Mr Petschuaser was trained as an army medic first with 1st Australian Field Hospital, and later with the District Support Unit in Broadmeadows in Melbourne.
“I chose to finish my time, and then did another three years in the regular army,” he said.
He spoke about the importance of Anzac Day in the Mathoura community and beyond.
“The importance of celebrating Anzac Day is to ensure young ones are aware of the past and will continue to acknowledge the event in the future,” he said.
During the Anzac Day service, Ms Wilson reminded the attendees of the achievements of Vivian Bullwinkel, who served as a nurse in World War II and was the only survivor of the Bangka Island massacre on February 16, 1942.
Vivian would later retire from her military service in 1970 as a Lieutenant-Colonel, after which she became the Director of Nursing at Melbourne’s Fairfield Hospital.
Murray River Councillors Tom Weyrich and Nikki Cohen.
Photo by
Michael Lloyd
Councillor Tom Weyrich offered a few thoughts on the momentous occasion.
“It was very pleasing to see the turnout and support, especially from the Mathoura Primary School children,” Cr Weyrich said.
“As time goes on Anzac Day and Australia Day are more important to this country and it’s only proper we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
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