Youth no bar to participation

Second Lieutenant Louise Thomas all ready for the Mosgiel Anzac Day parade, while partner Fraser...
Second Lieutenant Louise Thomas all ready for the Mosgiel Anzac Day parade, while partner Fraser Wilson and twins Jock (left) and Finn look on. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH
It is a day for remembering old wars, but Anzac Day services boast both young and old faces these days.

And few attendees at the Mosgiel service yesterday were younger than Louise Thomas and Fraser Wilson's twins Finn and Jock (1).

"They went to their first Anzac Day when they were just 4 months old, and this will be their second," Second Lieutenant Thomas, of the Southern Health Support Squadron, said.

The boys did not quite not know what to do with their poppies - Jock in particular was keen on eating his.

But they knew Mum was busy with something important and did not disrupt proceedings as she left to join the parade of veterans and service personnel which started the commemorations.

Having enlisted in the regular army in 2007, aged 19, 2Lt Thomas opted for a major change of career and embarked upon medical training.

Now a qualified doctor she is a member of the army medical corps and a proud Anzac Day participant.

At the other end of the age spectrum, Montecillo Veterans Home and Hospital yesterday marked the centenary of Anzac Day services at the South Dunedin rest-home.

Opened in 1918 it held its first Anzac service on April 25, 1919, and planned on holding many more, trust chairman David More said.

"We still have around half a dozen World War 2 veterans here - the oldest is 100 years and six months - but we have residents from other conflicts.

"Montecillo will continue - we will remain as long as our residents want us."

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement