Scouts serving the community on Anzac Day
Published Fri 26 Apr 2024
Scouts were paying respects and serving the community at Anzac Day services and marches across NSW last week.
From spelling out “ANZAC” with light-up letters at dawn services on canoes to laying wreaths at cenotaphs and holding banners in the march, thousands of Scouts turned out to pay their respects on this special day.
This commitment to community involvement helps Scouts of all ages explore their responsibility to their community and the wider world, while also embodying the Principle of Duty to Others – recognition and respect for others and promoting peace, understanding and cooperation.
View Anzac Day video below
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Two Scouts from 1st Leichhardt Scout Group were privileged to receive an invitation to join the Anzac Day march through the Sydney CBD.
Venturer Scout Eleanor Langeluddecke and Scout Jamie Zarifis were selected to represent the Group and to carry the banners of the 36th Battalion, formed from residents of Leichhardt, Five Dock and Haberfield during World War II. They had the great honour of marching alongside Col Moir, who at age 101 was the oldest World War II veteran still marching unaided in the parade.
Group Leader Victoria Walne said Col served during the war as a member of the 36th Battalion and still lives in Five Dock.
“He is a delightful and cheerful man, who faultlessly walked the entire parade, playfully twirling his walking stick for the cheering crowd!” she said. “What an enormous inspiration to witness his active participation in Anzac Day.”
Marching with Col was Terry Ryan, whose father Ronald Patrick Ryan was a long-term member of the 1st Leichhardt Scout Group and, coincidentally, also Col’s Sergeant, saving Col’s life during the war.
“The Scouts will be familiar with the park behind our hall, where they often play wide games,” Victoria said. “Established in the 1980s, this is the 36th Battalion Park, and also the first park to be named after a Battalion in NSW. Such a rich and historic connection to the local community and 1st Leichhardt Scout Group.
“We were thrilled to have this opportunity and hope the Group can establish an ongoing relationship with the 36th Battalion and their descendants.”
