Vietnam War veteran reflects on valiant Anzac Day service as South Aussies gather across the state
South Australians have gathered for moving Anzac Day dawn services to remember the high cost paid by those who have fought in conflicts across the globe.
SA News
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Children of all ages have lined the perimeter of the Anzac Memorial on North Tce, accompanied by siblings, parents and grandparents — all standing vigil while in the company of those in uniform.
Upon the conclusion of the last post, silence took over the crowd — only interrupted by sounds of passing planes.
As the national anthems of New Zealand and Australia were sung by school students just after 7am, soldiers stood and saluted.
Speaking to the crowd, RSL SA chair Ian Smith said the Anzac Day ceremony was about honouring the bravery of those who served and “continued to answer the call”.
“We remember too the high cost paid by those who have fought in these conflicts, and recognise that the passing of time often leads us to reconcile our differences and embrace nations and people which once were our enemies,” Mr Smith said.
“The conflicts raging in Ukraine and Gaza remind us that warfare is brutal, destructive and costly.
“We must also be wary of those who misuse the service and sacrifice of our veterans. Actions, such as those of the black-clad neo nazi’s, who stood on the steps of this sacred memorial on Australia Day.
“These actions are unwelcome and we must protect ourselves and our Anzac traditions from them, and the racist and totalitarian ideologies that the veterans of the Second World War fought and died to defeat.”
Following the Lord’s Prayer, delivered by Chaplain Patrick Garton of the RAAF, key political figures governor Frances Adamson, foreign affairs minister Penny Wong and premier Peter Malinauskas each approached the memorial and placed a wreath.
95-year-old Korean War veteran Patrick Forbes took part in the march alongside his two sons Richard and John, with all three sporting Military Cross medals.
Patrick was awarded his own MC for his gallantry in Korea – while his dad received a MC in WWI and his older brother in WWII.
A lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion with the Royal Australian Regiment (RAR), he commanded the assault platoon in the “night-time war”, checking and maintaining minefield wire on the battalion and guiding patrols through the minefields.
Reflecting on his dad’s heroic efforts during the war, Richard said he couldn’t contain his emotions while marching down North Tce on Friday.
“I got emotional and I’m not even a veteran, so I can imagine how the veterans felt,” he said.
“One of the most poignant things for me was I heard a young girl – she would’ve only been about six or seven – but she was yelling out ‘thank you for your service’.
“Growing up was special from the perspective that I know what my father went through. I think it’s a very solemn time and although our family is not only very, very proud of dad and the rest of our family, it’s also about all those veterans – they all made an incredible contribution.
“As my father says, it’s not a celebration – it’s a time to acknowledge and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Earlier this week, Patrick said war was “a frightful time” – a “mess”.
On Anzac Day, he wished to highlight the significance of Legacy – a service he previously volunteered for to help offer support for the widows and families of veterans.
Elise Scarman, 28, and Margo Herde – both members of the Pipes & Drums of the Royal Caledonian Society – will take part in the Anzac Day march, to honour those who served and “join in the celebrations of living in the best country in the world”.
“It’s special, it’s moving and it’s humbling,” Ms Herde said. “It’s a great sense of giving back, and to see the old veterans and what they get out of the march is just heartwarming.
“My mum’s first husband served in the air force and he was shot down over France, and that’s my connection – I honour him today.
“I think it’s huge for (the younger generation) to continue their support. It gives them a respect for the past and an appreciation of what people went through. It doesn’t hurt for people to see the hardships that went before, to know how grateful we should be today.”
At the end of the ceremony, Mr Smith — through tears — informed the thousands of people in attendance that this year’s Anzac Day service would be his 10th, and final, as chair of the RSL.“ Thank you, and goodbye,” he said.
Kangaroo Island remembers the fallen
On Kangaroo Island, hundreds braved the chilly morning to pay their respects at the Kingscote dawn service.
It was a solemn occasion led by Vietnam War veteran and Military Medal recipient, David Mancer who reflected on the efforts of his “forefathers” who fought at Gallipoli.
Commanding Officer and leader of 10 Squadron in the Royal Australian Airforce, Daniel Beurich was also in attendance and shared his thoughts on the commemorative day.
Relatives of the late Timothy Turner, who was an Anzac and died on June 15th, 1969 in the 24th US Evacuation Hospital Long Bin, brought their horses all the way down from Adelaide to be a part of the service and were also heading to Parndana to assist with services there.
Distinguished members of the community were invited to lay a wreath with representatives from the local federal and state electorates, Mayo and Mawson, failing to attend despite being listed on the event’s program and being introduced by the MC.
Decorated Vietnam War veteran, David Mancer has lived on Kangaroo Island for 48 years which he said “nearly” makes him a local.
“You have to be here for 50 years to become a local … so I’m still a ring in,” the grandfather said.
Mr Mancer entered national service at 20 years of age back when he was “young” and “bulletproof”.
“I volunteered for national service but I found out about a year later that my birthday came up (in conscription) in any case,” Mr Mancer said.
“It (was) an adventure (and) pride in this country, which is very, very important.”
He had been working as a constable for the South Australian police at the time and while his service originally led him to “some quite interesting places in Australia”, he signed up for an additional year after finding out his battalion was heading to Vietnam.
Mr Mancer was stationed in the Southeast Asian country from 1967-68.
During this time he earnt himself a Military Medal for his leadership and courage while serving as a section commander during active service.
On multiple occasions, Mr Mancer put others lives ahead of his own and protected his platoon from enemy attack.
While he said he is proud of his achievement, the father-of-three was insistent that he did not want to “milk it”.
“33 personnel went in my battalion to Vietnam, three were killed there … a number were wounded … obviously there’s a lot that carry a few scars out of that …(but) I have been so lucky and blessed, let me tell you,” Mr Mancer said.
“I don’t carry a thing out of Vietnam as far as memories, but I don’t have PTSD, that doesn’t affect me.”
The veteran, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday, said he is here “for a good time, not a long time” and sees Anzac Day as an important opportunity for reflection.
“The RSL is a dying breed,” the former fisherman and ferry master said.
“I always looked at it and said to a number of people and said while I’m still alive, Anzac Day on Kangaroo Island will continue.”
Mr Mancer will play a vital role in today’s Anzac services being held at Kingscote and will MC the event.
The service will commence at 6:15am at the Bernie Davies Memorial Park, with around 400 people expected to attend.
A Gunfire Breakfast at the Lions Hall will be held prior to the event.
At 10:30am the Kingscote Anzac Day March will commence with a Commemoration Service to take place at Bernie Davies Memorial Park at 10:45am.
A morning tea at the Ozone Hotel will follow.
Similar dawn and morning services will be held across the island at American River, Parndana and Penneshaw as well as a sunset flag lowering service at 5:40pm in Parndana.
Local pilot, Dave “Chook” Halloran will also be flying his World War II era biplane over the Anzac services in Parndana, Penneshaw and Kingscote.
North Tce vigil
The annual Anzac Day Dawn Service – on the corner of North Tce and Kintore Ave – will begin at 6am, followed by the Anzac Day march at 9.30am
At the conclusion of the march, the Cross of Sacrifice service will commence at 11.30am at Pennington Gardens in North Adelaide.
A RSL SA spokesman said it would provide a “significant finale to the commemorations”.
“ … With The Dawn Service representing a funeral, the march representing the walk to the gravesite and the service at the Cross of Sacrifice representing the burial,” they said.
Adelaide Metro will be providing additional bus, train and tram services to and from the city for Anzac Day memorial services – with current and former military personnel able to access the services for free.
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