ANZAC Spirit Across Mayflower

Anzac Day has become core to the identity of Australia itself.

Each year, the Mayflower community commemorates Anzac Day with formal services at our aged care homes. Last year when our traditional services were cancelled due to coronavirus, Brighton retirement village residents, Josie and Patsy kindly recorded a service to share with our community.

Pictured above: Frank with Ron, a RAAF veteran, share their experiences with each other, in the garden at Brighton.

This year, we were delighted to be able to come together again to acknowledge all Australians who have served in war, or on peacekeeping operations.

Resident Frank helped deliver the Brighton service, reciting the Ode to the Fallen. Frank served as a Navel Coder during the Second World War. He spent his 18th birthday behind enemy lines in Port Moresby working with the Coastwatchers.

Later Frank was assigned to duty on HR. MS. Abraham Crijnssen, a naval vessel known for its escape under the camouflage of hundreds of small trees and branches. Read more about Frank’s story by clicking here.

Pictured above: Medic veteran and centenarian, Allen Wood, proudly dons his medals on Anzac Day 2021.

Pictured above: Frank reads; "They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. We will remember them."

Pictured above: Wendy Dunn, Executive Director - Aged Care and Seniors Living, shares the story of five thousand Australian Nurse’s who served during the Second World War. The most famous of these is Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bullwinkel.

Pictured above: In focus; Lorne watches on during the ceremony, and right Executive Officer Aged Care for Brighton, Maria.