By Sibanengi Dube
Hundreds of Brimbank residents gathered around Keilor’s Cenotaph on Tuesday, April 25 as part of Anzac Day commemorations organised by the Keilor Historical Society.
More than 300 people congregated for an emotional morning service, led by the KHS president, Susan Jennison.
Anzac Day is a national day to honour all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
Mrs Jennison kicked off the service by chronicling the history of fallen Keilor gallant sons and daughters who participated in different wars to advance peace.
Mrs Jennison applauded the Brimbank council for honouring local war heroes by naming streets after them.
“In 2014 we took part in an Anzac commemorative World War 1 naming project for Brimbank council. I mention this to illustrate our ongoing work with history research. One example to mention is the naming of three sections of the roadway at the Calder Freeway-Kings Road duplication and three roadways required new names – we nominated two WW1 servicemen and an Australian Army nurse. The names were Grogan, Farr and Turnley,” she said.
A serving soldier and Keilor resident, Colonel Glenn Buijs, led the prayer of remembrance and minute of silence procession was led by Keilor East RSL president John Johnson.
KHS secretary Aaron Magro invited community organisations and individuals to lay wreaths at the Cenotaph, including the joeys, cubs, Scouts and Venturers from 1st Keilor Village Scouts.
