With Anzac Day marches and services attracting thousands to events on the Central Coast on April 25, Umina veteran Peter Liston is encouraging younger veterans to become active members of their local RSL sub-branch.
“The RSL membership is ageing, and we need younger veterans to join their local sub-branch to continue the traditions of this great Australian institution,” he said.
“Younger veterans have the opportunity to take the baton and shape the organisation for the future.”
Liston said Anzac Day was a day for all Australians, but veterans were the custodians.
“Joining your local sub-branch is a great form of connection and contribution to the community,” he said.
Liston, who served two tours of duty, in Timor in 2008 and Afghanistan in 2012, recognised the contribution sub-branches make to Anzac Day but said there were many more reasons to join a sub-branch.
A member of the Combined Services sub-branch in Sydney, he said membership gave veterans the chance to connect to community and history and support commemoration of Australia’s war efforts.
“The RSL movement is not just for older vets who like to play the pokies,” he said. “It presents a great many opportunities for younger service-people to shape the future of the RSL in Australia.”
Liston said that while much was heard about the struggles of returning vets, little was said about the many veterans transitioning successfully out of the military, translating skills learnt in the services to the next chapter of their lives.
His comments came as RSL NSW put out a call for younger members to join Australia’s oldest veteran charity, expressing fears for the successful continuation of Anzac Day celebrations.
“Every year we see dedicated veteran volunteers organise hundreds of events to ensure that Australians don’t forget – but this won’t always be the case,” a spokesperson said.
“In fact, those who have long been responsible for events like Anzac Day won’t be around to continue the tradition in the years to come.
“RSL NSW is calling on the younger generation of veterans to step up and join us, to make sure commemorative events are not forgotten across NSW.
“It’s important to make sure we have commemorative events to remember the service and sacrifice made by our veterans of even the most recent of conflicts.
“This year’s face-to-face Anzac Day commemorations were the first since Australia’s withdrawal from Afghanistan.”
Terry Collins