About 200 people attended Mooroopna's Remembrance Day commemorations yesterday.
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Organised by the Mooroopna Rotary Club on behalf of the Shepparton RSL sub-branch, Graeme Bayley was the guest speaker.
In May 1968 Mr Bayley started his two-year army conscription obligation, having been called up for national service.
“It’s fair to say the government’s decision to introduce national service divided the country, as many Australians didn’t believe we should be involved with Vietnam,” Mr Bayley said.
During his training, Mr Bayley was assigned to the corps of infantry and later posted to the Australian Reinforcement Unit.
He was posted to the C Company 4th Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment on his arrival in Vietnam where he joined the 8 Platoon as a section scout.
Mr Bayley returned to Australia in May 1969.
“I’m proud to have had the opportunity to serve my country, but I’m even more proud of the service given by both my father and my grandfather during both world wars,” he said.
“World War I was the war that was supposed to end all wars, we now know for a fact that it didn’t because 20 years later, World War II began.
“Today is the day we pause to remember the enormous sacrifices that everybody made to ensure that our great country continues to be the envy of the world.”
Rotarian Ken Faulkner was the master of ceremonies, while Monsignor Peter Jeffrey led the community in The Lord’s Prayer.
The poem In Flanders Field was read by Mooroopna Secondary College student Jessica Eldred, and Sitti Ivory Oakley sang the Australian national anthem and The Royal Hymn.
Mr Faulkner read the Ode and Shepparton Brass and Wind member Leona Gibbs performed The Last Post.
Mr Faulkner said he was pleased to announce Greater Shepparton City Council was seeking expressions of interest as part of the Mooroopna cenotaph's extension and refurbishment.
The memorial will remember all veterans who have served, not only in World War I and World War II but all other conflicts.
The club is hopeful the cenotaph will be complete by Anzac Day next year.
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