Anzac Day a time to learn from the past

As Anzac Day approaches, Afghanistan war veteran Daniel Kozyrski says the focus of commemorations should be on learning lessons for the future.

The owner of Cowaramup’s Black Sheep Deli served as an infantry corporal in the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment in Afghanistan and East Timor, and spoke about his experiences at last year’s Anzac Day memorial address in Margaret River.

Mr Kozyrski told the Times Anzac Day should focus on today’s soldier while remembering Australia’s wartime history.

“Giving the kids an understanding of what they went through and not letting that flame die,” he said.

“It’s vital that humans as a race keep learning from those major mistakes and move forward as us, as a world.”

Mr Kozyrski said his thoughts each Anzac Day were with “the mates that I fought with, my mates that were left behind, and my mates that are there now”.

Margaret River RSL sub-branch president Keith Simmonds said residents were invited to Tuesday’s dawn service at 5.55am at Memorial Park.

Marchers at the annual parade will gather at 11.15am at Reuther Park, and a service at the Margaret River District Club may be held at 11.45am in case of bad weather.

Mr Simmonds said Australian Light Horse Association member Ian Hutchins would give this year’s address, while the Busselton Brass Band would provide music.

In Augusta, a dawn service will take place at the RSL Memorial Park on Osnaburg Street, with a full service at 11am.