Ernie Poole is working hard to make this Anzac Day a memorable one. 79927 Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
By VANESSACHIRCOP
WHEN Ernie Poole’s name did not come up during the National Service scheme, Ernie decided to volunteer himself for the cause.
Ernie’s father had served in World War II and wasn’t too impressed when he found out what his young son intended to do.
“He caught me on the way to the station, because you had to go to the station to post the letter, he sort of took it off me and tore it in half,” he said.
“So I went home and a couple of days later I decided to go over the bridge and join the commando unit.”
Though Ernie never saw conflict, he qualified for his green beret within nine months.
“Our training got stepped up as the Vietnam conflict got a bit more heated,” he said.
“It was just a great part of my life.
“Nobody ever wants to go and fight … you train to do a job but fortunately we didn’t have to use the skills that we were taught.”
Ernie has been the president of the Williamstown RSL for about nine years, a member for more than 40 years and is a former Williamstown councillor.
A big part of his job as president is organising Williamstown’s Anzac Day celebrations.
Ernie said it was hard to put into words what Anzac Day meant for the members of Williamstown’s RSL.
“For the core membership here it’s a time to reflect and remember their mates that didn’t come back from overseas, it’s also a time to remember their mates that have passed on since,” he said.
“The most encouraging part about Anzac Day is the involvement of the youth and the community.”
This Sunday 22 April, Williamstown RSL will hold a march from 2.30pm and a Dawn Service on Anzac Day, Wednesday 25 April at the cenotaph on Ferguson St from 5.30am followed by a free breakfast at the RSL.
“We try to make it as meaningful as possible,” Ernie said.
