The Armadale RSL Sub-Branch hosted a luncheon on Saturday to thank the Armadale Police Rangers and the 1st Armadale Scout Group for their decades of service holding vigil through the night before each ANZAC Dawn Service.
Up to 40 rangers and scouts take shifts silently holding ground in a guard of honour each year in Memorial Park, as a mark of respect to local servicemen and women.
Armadale RSL Sub-Branch President Ken Hepburn said this was the first time they had officially recognised the contribution of the rangers and the scouts over their past 40 years of service to the ANZAC day commemorations.
“We just wanted to say thank you on behalf of all the service people who live in the Armadale area, for paying their respects in a silent vigil,” he said.
Certificates of appreciation and cards were presented to each group.
Around 30 rangers attended the luncheon, but due to a scheduling conflict, only four members of the scout group were able to be there.
Mr Hepburn has said the sub-branch will reconvene for a special presentation to the scouts in April.
Local member Tony Buti, City of Armadale mayor Ruth Butterfield, and councillors Gary Smith and Paul Hetherington were also in attendance.
Despite Metronet works, and the imminent Jull Street Mall upgrade works, Mr Hepburn was adamant there will be an ANZAC service at Memorial Park on April 25 as usual.
Photographs – Richard Polden.
