Master of Ceremonies from Harden’s Anzac Day commemoration ceremony, Tim O’Keefe served in the Australian Army for six years. During that time, he did not see combat duty, but he understands the importance of keeping the memory of our Anzac servicemen and women alive for future generations.
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“It is vital that we keep the memories of those who served our country alive for future generations” Mr O’Keefe said. “After all, they have helped to shape Australia into what it is today. We enjoy the freedom we have because of their sacrifices.”
“Warrant Officer Shane O’Gradey from the Royal Australian Navy spoke today at the Harden ceremony about the loss of life during WWII and the fact that this year is the 75th Anniversary of the year that we lost many ships and all the young men on them,” Mr O’Keefe said. “And in these small towns, we need to realise that we don’t have a lot of the World War veterans left, and not many from Vietnam either. We need to keep them with us by keeping their stories alive.”
Mr O’Keefe went on to say that the local schools are playing a big part in the Anzac Day commemorations by teaching the children about the meaning of Anzac Day.
“Our local schools are doing a wonderful job” Mr O’Keefe said. “I can only thank them for making our future generations know what went on, so hopefully it never happens again.”
Mic Nadycz and Bradley Gibbons, who earlier this week spoke to the children at Murrunyip OOSH, echoed Mr O’Keefe’s concerns that the meaning of Anzac commemorations could be lost for future generations as time moves on.
“The kids need to learn about the sacrifices that the men and women in our Armed Forces have made and are still making today, to keep Australia safe,” Mr Nadycz said. “I was in the conscription lottery and was called up. I didn’t like it – but I made the best of it. The mateship became the most important thing. We had to learn to rely on each other. I have not seen some of these guys for 50 years, but we still keep in contact.”
Bradley Gibbons, who served in Afghanistan, Kuwait and Iraq agreed.
“Of course, what the kids learn has to be age appropriate,” Mr Gibbons said. “But it is very important that they understand the sacrifices that their forefathers made, respect them and be proud of them.”
