ANZAC Day 2025 was a great event. As we set up the banner, it was a pleasure to see Tanya O. (daughter of Cliff) arrive and join us, as well as the cadets from Hurlstone Agricultural High School who arrived eager to march. We must thank staff members and Vivien T., from the school, who were in charge of the cadets on the day.
Matthew A., grandson of battalion member Ted Colenso, proudly held the banner, assisted by the other cadets. A total of 28 people marched behind the banner this year, made up of the family members and cadets.
Those marching included Evan and Liz Richard and sister Cathy, Scott F. and Tom, Helen and Phil A., Sue R. and daughter Melissa, Tanya O., Julie W, Rex F. and his grandson, plus Lachlan and Jamie Simond and their children.
Enthusiastic crowds lined the streets this year and they all gave us applause and a wave. We didn’t have a band near us this year so it was hard to keep in step! The march was watched live on TV by many family members. They saw us all and commented how proudly we were marching.
After the march we made our way to Club York to gather for our traditional luncheon. As there are ongoing renovations at the club, we were accommodated in a large room with a lot of other units, who were also commemorating ANZAC Day.
Unfortunately, Joan Okey was unwell and unable to join us this year, but we must thank her and Diane Humphries for their organisation of the luncheon.
It was good to see some new faces at the luncheon, including Sally and Susan whose father, Lawrence Harris was in the battalion. Also joining us was Vice President Lachlan Simond and his wife Jamie and their two children. They returned from the USA this year and it was great to catch up with them again. Lachlan’s mother, Robyn, was unable to join us this year. We did miss her, as she regularly joins us on ANZAC Day and is a very important member of our association.
Tanya O. informed us that her mother Kath, is in care and doing very well and still enjoys walking. John and Bill Blyth, and their wives, attended the ANZAC Day commemorations at Kranji War Cemetery in Singapore. John commented how well the service was organised with dignitaries from far and wide attending.
Overall, it was a great day to get together, commemorate and remember the sacrifices made by those brave men of the 2/18th Battalion AIF.
218battalion.org.au 