Lest We Forget

OCAV joins all Australians on ANZAC Day in paying respect to all the Australian men and women who have served in wars and military engagements. There are several men and women within our own ‘ranks’ who we acknowledge on Wednesday, April 25, including:

• Braeside Park residents Avis Wadmore and Mr Leslie Finlayson
• Leith Park residents Don Simpson, Maurie Schneider, John McCrohan and Graham Papworth
• Rushall Park resident George Young
• Currie Park resident Noel Johnson

The image used here, of the lone bugle playing soldier, was created by members of the Currie Park village art class in 2017 for ANZAC Day. The canvas was painted by artist Gill Coates, and more than 100 poppies were then made and painted by residents Patricia Benedict, Ellen Doyle, Jessie Mills, Amy Wyatt, Iren Miskolczy and Heather Norris and attached to the canvas. The red poppy, which flowered on the battlefields of Belgium, France and Gallipoli in 1915, has become a symbol for ANZAC Day. The women are pleased that the painting will be a centrepiece at this year’s service.

It seems fitting that such an impressive work should come from the OCAV village in Euroa, a small Victorian town with a remarkable military history. Euroa is home to three Victoria Cross recipients – Lieutenant (later Major) Frederick Tubb, Corporal Alexander Burton and Lieutenant Leslie Maygar.

ANZAC Day will be marked with services and events across the four OCAV villages.