AUSSIES AT THE SOMME
Today the Great Anzac Run stopped for a visit to Villers-Bretonneux. Erected in the schoolyard in English is a large signs that reads, “DO NOT FORGET AUSTRALIA”. This statement was declared at the end of the war by the then mayor as a perpetual reminder of the actions of Australian diggers who assisted in liberating the town from German occupation in 1918.
As a result of injuries sustained at a fire in Melbourne in November last year by one of my work colleagues and friend, leading fire fighter Richard “Dick” Zapart , the major beneficiary of our charity run is the burns unit of the Alfred hospital. Dick spent nearly three weeks in an induced coma. Thankfully he and his family are recovering from this resultant trauma but we should not forget what the hospital and staff did to assist them.
During the past 18 months, I have lost two colleagues I have been privileged to call friends from my 25 year association with the MFB. To Roscoe’s partner, Kath and son Kain and BQ’s wife Julie and family, I have not forgotten them. Not only this pilgrimage, but always they are “absent mates” never far away in my thoughts.
As a member of team Throssell, we have collectively carried a pebble from the shores of Anzac Cove at Gallipoli since April 26th. At completion of our journey in London and on our return to Australia, we aim to present to Hugo Throssell’s family (VC recipient at Gallipoli) the “Throssell Rock” as a reminder that we have not forgotten the sacrifices men of his ilk endured to ensure the quality of life we Australians enjoy today.
Damian Foletti ( Team leader – Throssell)
As a result of injuries sustained at a fire in Melbourne in November last year by one of my work colleagues and friend, leading fire fighter Richard “Dick” Zapart , the major beneficiary of our charity run is the burns unit of the Alfred hospital. Dick spent nearly three weeks in an induced coma. Thankfully he and his family are recovering from this resultant trauma but we should not forget what the hospital and staff did to assist them.
During the past 18 months, I have lost two colleagues I have been privileged to call friends from my 25 year association with the MFB. To Roscoe’s partner, Kath and son Kain and BQ’s wife Julie and family, I have not forgotten them. Not only this pilgrimage, but always they are “absent mates” never far away in my thoughts.
As a member of team Throssell, we have collectively carried a pebble from the shores of Anzac Cove at Gallipoli since April 26th. At completion of our journey in London and on our return to Australia, we aim to present to Hugo Throssell’s family (VC recipient at Gallipoli) the “Throssell Rock” as a reminder that we have not forgotten the sacrifices men of his ilk endured to ensure the quality of life we Australians enjoy today.
Damian Foletti ( Team leader – Throssell)
posted by The Great ANZAC Run at
8:33 AM
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