Liam Durkin
DRIZZLY weather did not deter a strong crowd from attending the Anzac Day dawn service in Moe.
A few hundred people arrived to pay their respects, with all gathering in solemnity as the last post rang out.
Moe RSL president Steve Mayes led proceedings, and was joined by a number of veterans and fellow RSL members.
Due to COVID protocols, the area around the cenotaph was roped off, and the traditional gunfire breakfast was limited to those who had a ticket.
Local SES were on site to help with the event, as part of Albert Street was closed to accommodate the crowd.
Inside, three members of the 12th Platoon who served in South Vietnam gathered to proudly commemorate their time protecting the nation.
Ian Caines, Thomas Hunt and Rex Daly were all called up on the same day in 1967, with Mr Daly saying the camaraderie between his fellow servicemen has stood the test of time ever since.
“We all got called up for National Service and at that time a train left Bairnsdale and went right through Gippsland to pick up all the people from different towns that were drafted,” he explained.
“There were 11 of us that joined the train at Moe and us three ended up in 12th Platoon in Puckapunyal to do our basic training, and that’s why we’ve become lifelong mates.”
Mr Daly was a sapper, Mr Caines a trooper and Mr Hunt in the infantry.
The trio were 19 years of age at the time of their enlistment, giving literally meaning to the famous Redgum song I Was Only 19.
“We were young and it was something new. In those particular days most of us hadn’t been out of our own town much so we were excited,” Mr Daly said about joining the army.
Since returning from war, Mr Daly and Mr Caines have both served as president of Moe RSL, with Mr Daly, a carpenter by trade, also building the facility.
Reflecting on the significance of Anzac Day, Mr Daly said it was pleasing to see the current generation remember the legacy of the fallen.
“It’s not just special for us but for all returned soldiers. It’s the one day of the year we remember it all,” he said.
