The below message is from the West Australia Chairman of SAMVOA after the 2011 ANZAC Day parade in Perth:
It was once again a great honour and privilege for me to lead the SAMVOA WA contingent in this years Anzac Day parade through the Perth city centre, on Monday 25 April.
This year marked the 6th anniversary of our participation in the annual Anzac Day parade and we are appreciative of the Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) for allowing us the opportunity to take part in the parade and in so doing, to honour the memory of our countrymen who have made the supreme sacrifice on the battlefields of Africa, Europe, Asia, on the Sea and in the Air.
Some of our members attended the Dawn Service in Kings Park, followed by a Gunfire breakfast in Stirling Gardens, from where we formed up for the parade, stepping off at 10h20. I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to those whom attended the parade and especially to those members who travelled hundreds of kilometres to be there.
Veterans on parade were;
Hentie Beukes, Deon Booysen, Mark Coldrey, Peter Colvin, Warren Coustas, Riaan de Villiers, Ian Higley, Stephen Higley, Leon Johnston, Eric le Grange, Michael Lord, John McCrum, Ewen Morton, Philip Niman, Ben Opperman, Garth Pienaar, Shaun Porter, Donovan Roets, Andrew Scoggings, Johan van der Merwe, Kevin van der Mescht, Alfie van Zijl, Robert Williams and Mark Wright.
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We once again received very favourable comments from the huge crowd of spectators that lined the parade route and our dress and drill was of the highest order.
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It was a great privilege for me to march with you and you have all done our Fallen and SAMVOA proud.
Thank you for your participation and I look forward to marching with you again next year on this very special day.
To those who were unable to attend, we look forward to having you join us in 2012.
Garth A Pienaar
Chairman SAMVOA WA