April 26, 2023
Service not just about war
A former soldier has backed Returned Services Association president Sir Wayne Shelford’s call for a day to celebrate all service veterans.
ANZAC Day ceremonies around the country were well attended, with their focus on those who served in the nation’s wars.
But Rihari Dargaville says many recent overseas deployments were in small groups, and their service seems to be overlooked.
“There needs to be a day where we acknowledge all veterans that participated in supporting the requirements of this government to serve overseas, not just those from First, Second World War down to my generation, Malaya and Vietnam. There are many others who served and I note we have tried to bring on board but they actually feel quite isolated,” he says.