For more than 100 years, defence force families have marked Anzac Day with the same mixed emotions – the loneliness of separation, anxiety over possible conflict and pride in defending their country.
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And for Eden family Aidan Death, his partner Samantha Trewin, and their sons Ethan, 4, and Lachlan, 2, Anzac Day 2017 on Tuesday will be no different.
Leading Seaman Death is at home in Eden on leave this week before returning to his ship, the minehunter HMAS Gascoyne based at HMAS Waterhen in Sydney, on Monday.
Ms Trewin, a former Navy sailor who served on two ships and was posted to South East Asia before becoming a Navy Reservist following the birth of the couple’s first child, will spend Anzac Day in Orbost, honouring her late grandfather, World War II veteran Jack Trewin.
The couple belong to the Eden RSL Sub-Branch, which Ms Trewin said has been a wonderful source of support, especially when her partner is at sea.
“The RSL needs more young people to ensure the tradition continues,” she said.
Eden RSL Sub-Branch president Steve Mahoney invited Eden residents to muster on the corner of Bass and Imlay streets at 5.30am for a 5.45am step-off to the Cenotaph for the 6am dawn service. A traditional gunfire breakfast will follow in the RSL Hall.
A service will be held at BUPA’s aged care facility at 9am. People can also muster on the corner of Chandos and Imlay streets at 10.30am for a 10.45am march to the Cenotaph for the 11am service. Lunch will follow.
Members of the 460 Squadron from Canberra will attend Eden commemorations and present the 2017 Anzac Day address. The march will be led by the Light Horse re-enactment unit.
Mr Mahoney said the town’s Anzac Day commemorations remained viable through unfaltering community support; Eden Service and Social Club assisted with the march and Eden Lionesses catered on the day. He also thanked police, ambulance and fire officers.
Anzac Day in Wyndham will be commemorated at 2.30pm at Memorial Park, followed by afternoon tea at the Uniting Church.