ANZAC Day Celebrations

Source:Daehaena – Monthly Newsletter – May 2021 – Radio 4EB Sri Lankan Group

After a lapse of one year due to COVID, members of the Sri Lanka Ex Servicemen’s Association marched alongside the members of RSL Kenmore Moggil Branch at the Brookfield showgrounds. The usual parade at Kenmore featuring a large number of veterans, community groups, school children, military vehicles etc was downsized this year to a much shorter parade to the Brookfield showgrounds. The school children lined up along to route to cheer the veterans into the showgrounds.

Admiral Travis Sinniah, the 21st Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy laid a wreath on behalf of the Sri Lankan
contingent.

The President of the RSL Kenmore Moggil Branch, Lieutenant Colonel Rick Maher recounted the significance
of the Brookfield showgrounds in the recruitment drive for World War I. The grounds was the site of the horse muster where the locals donated horses for the service in the war. Recognising the role the Sri Lankan soldiers played in Gallipoli, Sri Lanka food was available. A T20 cricket game between the Armed forces and the Lord Mayor’s team was played in recognition of the “Shell Green” played by the Australians as a diversionary tactic in Gallipoli.

Wimal Kannangara