Published on Wednesday, 1 May 2024 at 11:32:01 AM
Chittering’s annual ANZAC Day service on Thursday 25 April in Bindoon, was attended by around 450 people this year and recognised the losses of war, conflict, and peacekeeping missions.
The Chittering Scout Group resolutely, and bravely, held vigil over the Cenotaph in very cold windy weather overnight, showing respect and commitment to the important role they were given. This vigil has become an annual favourite for the group, who met with the commemoration MC, local veteran, Mr Mark Kay, who helped relay the importance of the ANZAC Day service, and thanked them for the significant role they play in the day. The Scouts then joined our veterans in the ANZAC Day march towards the cenotaph, through a Guard of Honour formed by Chittering Fire Services. The march then transitioned to the Catafalque Party from RAAF Pearce who once again joined the service formalities.
This year Mr Kay spoke of Gallipoli and recognised the great losses of war, conflict, and peacekeeping missions in our country’s name across the years since.
In April 2023 Mr Kay joined his fellow servicemen from his unit to receive the Meritorious Unit Citation for their service in Somalia in 1993. This Citation recognises outstanding service in warlike operations by a unit of the Defence Force. Mr Kay said “ This has been a well-received award by all of us who served together, side by side, in Somalia. It is a great honour”.
But with this honour came the recognition that like so many returned service men and women, he and his “brothers” still battle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Mr Kay said “Some of the great atrocities that we witnessed against women & children, that we were powerless to intervene because it was considered their religious practices, have left us damaged and broken”.
He also recognised that veterans do not struggle alone and thanked the families and friends of our veterans who support them with the battles they still fight today.
The Shire of Chittering would like to thank Mr Mark Kay, Chittering Scout Group, New Norcia Benedictine Abbott - Fr John Herbert, RAAF Bullsbrook Catafalque Party, Chittering Fire Services, Bindoon Sport and Recreation Association, Bindoon Entertainment Arts and Theatre, Chittering Bindoon CWA, Mr Mark Leuba, and Mr John Farrell for their assistance and valued contributions to the 2024 ANZAC Day commemorations.
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