Thousands pay respect to fallen Diggers

NINETY nine-year-old Arthur Hibbert cried the day he left for World War II and cried the day he arrived home.Mr Hibbert was one of more than 5000 who gathered at the Pall Mall Cenotaph to pay their respects at yesterday’s Anzac Day service.Mr Hibbert will turn 100 in August and was 29 years old when he went to Syria.“My father served in the First World War and I think that was a reason why I enlisted,” he said.“I served from 1940 to 1945. I started in artillery and ended up with the cavalry tanks.“I think I’ve missed one Anzac Day since then.”Mr Hibbert’s granddaughter Julie Mollison said she found yesterday to be quite emotional.“I’m very proud,” she said.“I think I got a bit emotional when I saw Pa during some of the speeches. It’s a very special day.”Bendigo resident Frank O’Connell celebrated his 21st birthday at a rubber plantation in Borneo.Mr O’Connell served in 1944 and yesterday marched with his great-grandson. “I just think it’s nice to turn up and brighten the day up,” he said. “I know a lot would feel sad today, and it’s not something to celebrate.“It’s a time to think and also make others know about it. But I don’t think we’ll ever forget.”Major Carl Edwards, who has served in Afghanistan, read the special address.He said Anzac Day was one of the most significant events in the national calendar. “All nations are shaped by their histories, their memories, their stories, their triumphs, their tragedies, their myths and their legends,” Major Edwards said.“Together these are the things that shape a nation’s soul.‘‘And how a nation remembers its past animates how the same nation sees its future. Whatever our beliefs are, Anzac is profoundly spiritual.“I believe each generation of Australians has a duty to pass this torch to the next.”National Service Association Bendigo sub-branch president John Meager and member Denis Potter said Anzac Day continued to be an important day for every Australian.National serviceman Mr Meager said the service brought back a lot of memories.“I’m sure a lot more will be shared later today,” he said.