Those who have served and sacrificed or seen it through the eyes of those they love and support, represent the living embodiment of the Anzac spirit.
This year, veteran community volunteers will contribute to our nation’s Anzac Day commemorative services in Türkiye and France.
Our team in Türkiye will be bolstered by 2 Army veterans, a RAAF Reservist and the spouse of an Australian and British Army veteran, with 2 Gallipoli Scholars rounding out the team. Many of the team members have deep family ties to the military, going back up to 5 generations.
Louise Bennett’s military roots stretch back to her grandfather, a Second World War veteran who served with the British Army. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity for family members to volunteer through DVA. “For family members to be involved, I do feel we’re the glue that holds everything together.”
Our team in France brings together veterans from the Navy, Army and RAAF, as well as the family member of a late RAAF veteran, and a Sir John Monash Foundation scholar.
Military service runs in the family for RAN veteran and current Reservist, Megan Banton, with a partner and sister both currently serving in the ADF.
Megan poignantly reflected on “the look in their eyes” from those who have experienced a Dawn Service in Villers Bretonneux, and how she was looking forward to understanding “the language and the tone they use when they say those few words”.
To hear more from our volunteers joining the France and Türkiye teams, visit their page on the DVA website.
