Young generation to uphold Anzac legacy

As Anzac Day 2019 continues to build on last year’s 100-year commemoration, it is now more important than ever for the younger generation to uphold the legacy of our Anzacs.

Returned and Services League Bunbury president John Gelmi said following the 100-year commemoration of the Anzacs, the presence of younger generations has been more prevalent.

“Our service jumped very dramatically from a couple of thousand to close to 8000 people after the centenary and I think that has made younger people more aware of the sacrifices that were made,” Mr Gelmi said.

“I think it just woke them up to the sacrifices these people made for them and for all of us.”

Mr Gelmi said more questions were asked and more conversations were happening among young people about the Anzacs who served in World War I and II.

“I feel a lot of them went home and started asking questions about family: ‘was my dad in the army?’ and the younger people started slowly figuring out they had uncles, aunties and other family members in service,” he said.

“The younger generation are the future of Anzac services, they’re the future generations who will turn up and support the Anzac services and without them it would be a sad day because they’re the ones that will keep the whole thing rolling.

“I would advise all the young ones to come along - I think it’s a bit of a feel good feeling too because by going along to a service you’ve contributed your bit towards the respect shown to these people.”