By NATALIE GALLENTI
FOR Barry Clark, Anzac Day is a time to remember fallen comrades and reminisce with old friends.
A member of the Melton RSL, Barry dedicated 23 years of his life to the Royal Australian Air Force and wouldn’t have it any other way.
And he still recalls the day he decided to become a serviceman.
“As a 17 or 18-year-old, I had a vision of going around the world,” he told Star.
“It was a big adventure for me … but there was discipline and learning new skills.”
As a 27-year-old Barry and his family were stationed in Malaysia to defend South East Asia and it is a time he will never forget.
“If I had my time all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing.”
He achieved the highest rank in the RAAF of Warrant Rank Officer, but finally after more than two decades he decided family had to come first.
“The old saying goes the hardest decision is to make a decision. It took at least three to four months to let go of that way of life.”
Now the 67-year-old spends time with his mates at the Melton RSL and no day is more significant than Anzac Day.
“Once you have worn a uniform, you have a common language.
“(Anzac Day) is a time of togetherness and a time to reflect on what you’ve done.”
Barry said this Thursday he would attend the dawn service and then head back for light-hearted breakfast.
“We’ll spend a couple of hours talking rubbish … the lies get bigger and bigger each year.”
But what Barry believes is most important is passing the tradition onto the younger generation.
“It’s very important for younger children to understand the importance of Anzac Day. We’re not here to glorify it, but we’re here to tell them why we decided to put the uniform on.”
