Special Anzac keepsake
Volunteers will be out and about in towns throughout the district over the next fortnight selling this year’s Anzac Day badges that could well be collectors’ items.
The $5 badge, one of six different badges on sale, commemorates the last great charge of the 4th Australia Light Horse Brigade at Beersheba 100 years ago and features the light horseman’s most distinctive embellishment – the emu feather plume.
Badges can be bought for $5, $10, $20, $30 and $50.
Local returned service people and volunteers will set up stalls in prominent places in shopping areas in towns throughout the district as well as making visits to businesses offering the badges for sale.
Across Victoria more than three-quarters of a million badges will be distributed.
The Anzac Day badges are one of the major fund-raisers for the Returned and Services League enabling it to fulfil its primary welfare role of assisting current and ex-service men and women and their families when they are in need.
RSL Victoria president Dr Robert Webster called on people to buy a badge and wear it with pride.
Dr Webster said the RSL’s welfare role extended across many generations, from a 95 year-old veteran of World War 2 to a young Afghanistan veteran and their families.
Support by the RSL can vary from helping elderly veterans stay in their homes to finding accommodation for contemporary veterans.
Dr Webster said the Anzac Appeal brings together the nation to reflect on past conflicts and what is happening now and to remember the sacrifices of servicemen and women.
As well as the sales by volunteers, people can buy badges at RSL sub-branches and Woolworths and Officeworks stores.