Mooroopna residents remember on Anzac Day

By Anna McGuinness

Apr 25, 2022

March: Goulburn Valley Pipes and Drums’ Ian Treacy, Alexander McKinnon and Malcom Steuart lead the Mooroopna Anzac Day march. Photos: Rechelle Zammit Photo by Rechelle Zammit

“In the face of adversity, the Anzacs demonstrated beyond any doubt the virtues of military duty, courage, teamwork, resolution and self-sacrifice.”

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These were the words of Vietnam veteran Stan Whitford at the Mooroopna Anzac Day march and service at Memorial Park on Monday, April 25.

The third-generation war veteran and Shepparton RSL Sub-branch committee member shared his experience of armed conflict.

Salute: Sporting Shooters Association of Australia members Terry Bourke, John Dickinson, Katrina Budde, Tony Palma and Graham Rodgers performed a three-volley salute. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Mr Whitford was born in Tongala and grew up on soldier settlement land in Strathmerton allocated to his father in 1948.

On April 14, 1966, Mr Whitford was called up for national service and served for 11-and-a-half months on a tour of duty in Vietnam, before he was wounded in action in November 1967.

“It was only then I truly appreciated what my grandfather and father had experienced,” he said.

“If we do celebrate anything on Anzac Day it is the legacy of those who fought in Anzac Cove and those who followed.

Attention: 38 Army Cadets’ Conner Rawlings, Tobie Phipps, Ethan Witt, Lilly McPherson, Piper Canning and Max Manning. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

“Some would say we should not celebrate this day, that is glorifies war.

“Any veteran would be the first to say their greatest wish is that their children and children’s children of this nation never have to experience the horrors of war.”

The commemorative event was organised by Mooroopna Rotary Club in conjunction with the Shepparton RSL, and organiser Glenn Young estimated about 500 people were in attendance.

“When you look around the crowd the number of children here is what makes it special to me; getting the kids involved and thinking about what Anzac Day is all about,” he said.

Pride: Students from St Mary’s Primary School Mooroopna. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

“The event was well supported by the whole community.”

After the march to Memorial Park, the service was led by MC Ken Faulkner before a morning tea provided by Mooroopna Kiwanis.

Don Stephens performed Click Go The Shears on violin and Greater Shepparton Secondary College student Angelina Mason sang the hymn Abide With Me, the Australian and New Zealand national anthems and the Royal Hymn.

Wreaths were laid by local primary school students, community groups and emergency service personnel.