IT is hard to think of a more important date on the calendar in Australia than April 25.
Anzac Day is a time for reflection, commemoration and gratitude to all the military personnel who sacrificed so much serving their country.
April 25 is the anniversary of the first major battle fought by Australian and New Zealand troops during World War I. Tomorrow, there will be marches and events across the country again after COVID-19 impacted our ability to mark the day last year.
Anzac Day has always been significant to me. My great-grandfather Tom Cupper fought at Gallipoli before becoming a soldier settler at Birdwoodton upon his return to Australia.
My great uncles Ray and Ken Cupper were RAAF pilots during World War II and were soldier settlers in Robinvale when they returned, while my maternal grandfather, Bill Stevens, fought on the Kokoda Track.
Mildura’s long association with military and wartime history cannot be understated.
Indeed, it could be argued the 1000 soldier settlers who were granted land at Merbein at World War I helped define the region as we know it today.
In addition, Mildura Aerodrome being the base for the Mildura No.2 Operational (Fighter) Training Unit, known as 2OTU, during World War II is incredibly significant.
For three years, new fighter pilots from across Australia called Mildura home to be trained predominantly in P-40 Kittyhawk aircraft at the base before heading to the Pacific theatre of war. I am continuing to lobby the Victorian Government to fund a WWII Aviation Training and Kittyhawk Museum at Mildura Airport in this year’s budget.
The Sunraysia region also contributed more service men and women per capita to one of the most significant battles of WWII. The soldiers who fought the fierce battle in Libya would famously become known as the Rats of Tobruk.
Tomorrow we will all stop to recognise these remarkable people – as well as all our current and former servicemen and women.
Lest we forget.
