Anzac Day service in Kyabram

Bob Stone, who is the secretary and treasurer of the Kyabram RSL sub-branch, says it was great to see the big turnout.

“We did well last year with 640 people turn up. But this year we are looking at around 700, which is a great effort for a small town,” he said.

“One thing about Kyabram is that they are very supportive of all its community groups, not just the RSL.”

In his Anzac Day speech, Mr Stone talked about the grave toll war has taken on those that have served Australia, with 102,000 lives lost in 33 conflicts.

“War causes apart from death, casualties in different shapes and forms. Severe disfigurement, horrific burns, broken bones, shrapnel wounds, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, nerve damage, paralysis, loss of sight and post-traumatic stress to name some,” he said.

Ally Britnell, who is the first ever female affiliate vice-president of the Kyabram RSL sub-branch, joined on behalf of her father, who served in World War II and went to Japan as part of the peace-keeping occupation.

“COVID has impacted our ability to have Anzac Day services the past few years, so to be able to have one finally with no restrictions is fantastic,” she said.

“It’s great to see a lot of the young ones coming through and showing their respects.“

Frank Lloyd, who is the last remaining World War II Veteran in Kyabram, says there are important lessons to be taken from Anzac Day services.

“What the current and next generations should learn from days like today is to ensure we keep peace, so nobody has to endure war again,” he said.