After seven decades, James Studd unearthed a reminder of his Korean War service — his 75-year-old dog-tags, once his only form of identification on the battlefield.
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On Anzac Day, Mr Studd proudly wore those tags, embodying the enduring strength of the Anzac spirit in his hometown.
He joined hundreds of fellow community members at Kyabram's Memorial Gardens for the commemorative service, organised by the local RSL.
The service began with a march, spearheaded by brothers Bob and Ian Troy carrying flags.
They led a sizeable contingent of veterans, their families, serving and former defence personnel and community groups from Memorial Park, across Allan St, to the Memorial Gardens.
Emcee David Blake welcomed attendees to the service and drew their attention to the sky for the flyover of six planes piloted by the Echuca Aero Club.
Kyabram Legacy chair Peter Fitzgerald read the Anzac Requiem, a fitting introduction to the service, which honoured the Anzacs who valiantly lost their lives in battle.
“We remember those who still sleep where they were left — amid the holly scrub in the valleys and on the ridges of Gallipoli, on the rocky and terraced hills of Palestine, and in the lovely cemeteries of France,” he said.
“May all of them rest proudly in the knowledge of their achievements and may we and our successors in that heritage left to us prove worthy of their sacrifices.”
Attendees also heard from RSL president Greg O’Connell, Kyabram P-12 College chaplain Liz Spicer and school captain Chloe Heald, St Augustine’s College captain Tia Harrison and Kokoda Trail participant Matilda Sowter throughout the service.
Both school captains emphasised Anzac Day’s importance to the community, honouring those who fought for Australia in various conflicts.
As the service’s guest speaker, Miss Sowter shared her experience on the Kokoda Trail.
She said she felt a profound impact of visiting Papua New Guinea and drew parallels to her great-grandfather’s World War II service.
“He was captured by the Japanese forces and remained a prisoner of war for the rest of the war,” she said.
“But, while he was in the camp, he didn’t despair, he didn’t fly away. He decided that he was going to do something that would help Australia.”
Miss Sowter revealed how her great-grandfather used parts from a communication device to gather crucial information, aiding his crew’s escape from the camp.
“Honestly, I hope someday to be like him. Although he wasn’t able to speak much about what he experienced, I’m glad he was able to do what he could.”
RSL member Chris Hunter led the service through the hymns O God Our Help in Ages Past and Onward Christian Soldiers.
Mr O’Connell read The Ode before The Last Post played.
The flags were lowered to half-mast by Rick Graves and his sons Nathan, Mitch and Jack, who commemorated the late Jack Graves, before returning the flags to the top of the flag pole.
Attendees were invited to enjoy complimentary tea, coffee and a sausage sizzle provided by the Kyabram Rotary and Lions clubs with The Kyabram Club.
Cadet Journalist