FOOTSCRAY’S Anzac Day march has been declared a resounding success as veterans took to the street on Saturday for the first time in more than a decade.
As late as August last year, the Footscray RSL sub-branch was slated for closure due to its dwindling membership.
The members of the branch, which includes the Vietnamese Veterans Association of Victoria (after a merger in 2008), made a push to keep the club alive with the march as the centrepiece.
Footscray’s diversity was clearly on show during the march as veterans from Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam and other nations made the short but sombre walk along Geelong Road.
A healthy contingent of former South Vietnam servicemen marched, including former army ranger, and now Footscray-based accountant, An ‘Andy’ Nguyen.
Lieutenant Helen Trigg, commanding officer from the Williamstown-based training ship Voyager, was guest speaker.
Footscray RSL vice-president John Arnold said the sub-branch couldn’t be happier with the support from the community and other veterans groups.
For more Anzac Day pictures, click on the ‘Gallery’ link in ‘Related Coverage’ (right)
