It’s not unusual to see visiting veterans and defence service men and women join in other communities’ commemorations on Anzac Day.
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In Parkes, the Parkes RSL Sub-branch are more than welcoming of their presence.
This year, three visitors – one a former resident himself – in particular participated in services, dined and marched alongside local veterans on Tuesday.
After spending five months in Iraq, former Parkes boy Corporal Craig Cole was called home following the tragic death of his sister Louise last week.
The 27-year-old, who is home for two weeks, took part in the Anzac Day march, commemoration service in Cooke Park and attended the Anzac Day luncheon at the Parkes Services Club.
Craig will return to Iraq to continue training and mentoring Iraqi soldiers and police.
Leading aircraftman Matthew Bee from the Williamtown Airbase made his first appearance on Anzac Day in Parkes.
His wife Steff Bee is a former Parkes girl, and instead of spending Anzac Day in Sydney, the couple decided to come to Parkes for the weekend.
He too took part in the Anzac Day march up Welcome Street and down Clarinda Street and the 9am commemoration service in Cooke Park.
Matthew has been in the airforce for six and a half years.
Vietnam War veteran Tony Speelman from Shellharbour took the opportunity to visit his daughter Christine in Parkes for Anzac Day, which saw the RSL Sub-branch invite the 69-year-old to attend the numerous services and luncheon.
Tony, a lance corporal, served in Vietnam between 1969 to 1970 for 13 months with the 5 Royal Australian Regiment, D Company CHQ.
It was the first time he’s visited the town on Anzac Day and he said he really enjoyed the day.
“I originally came to see if I could find any 5RAR, any Tigers here at all, young or old,” Tony said.
“The tiger is our mascot, 5RAR is known as the Tiger Battalion.
“And I found one – I’d been looking for him all day and it turns out he was around me all day.”
That Tiger was Parkes man Geoff Boland from 2 Platoon A Company, who also served in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970.
Tony praised how the services and events in Parkes were organised.
“I enjoyed the young ones speaking at the Cooke Park service and the guest speaker – Captain Anthony Klenthis – was fascinating,” he said.
“It was also the first time I’ve been to a luncheon like that,” Tony said, speaking of the Anzac Day luncheon at the Parkes Services Club.
“I enjoyed it because it was different, the company was superb.”
