By Matthew Sims
It was a bittersweet day for outgoing Upper Beaconsfield Returned and Services League (RSL) sub-branch president Eric Chaplin OAM on Anzac Day, with a large local turnout marking his final service as president.
With special attendees including Pakenham MP Emma Vulin and Cardinia Council Beacon Hills Ward councillor Brett Owen, the service included local groups laying wreaths, followed by residents laying sprigs of rosemary on the front of the Beaconsfield Upper War Memorial.
Mr Chaplin spoke about a recent trip he and his wife had taken around the Japanese islands and the contrast between the atrocities inflicted on prisoners of war with the Japan of now.
RSL members then read out the names of fallen local soldiers, with members of the local Scouts, RSL members and members of the crowd placing a cross carrying a person’s name along the front of the war memorial.
Speaking about closing out this chapter of his life, Mr Chaplin said he was grateful to his wife Pam, the RSL and the broader Upper Beaconsfield community, especially for helping the Anzac Day service become a popular local service.
“It wasn’t always so,” he said.
“All the years I have spent here have been an honour.”
Sub-branch vice-president Graham Hunter thanked Mr Chaplin for his service to the area.
“Every person in Upper Beaconsfield owes Eric a lot of gratitude,” he said.
Members of the community approached Mr Chaplin following the services to express their thanks.
