SEPTEMBER 2, 1945 is a date etched into Australian history, but none more so than those who can recall exactly where they were when World War II came to an end.
The day is now only a memory to Penola veteran Roen Lynn, who was stationed in Papua New Guinea when the battlefields fell silent, but is one he will never forget.
“I was on duty in administration when the announcement of the end of the war came through,” Mr Lynn recalled.
“I was the one in charge to run down the many rows of tents, yelling at them
the war had ended.
“We were young, very young and all men.
“We were so young during the war that when it had ended and I came home to Penola that is when I celebrated my 21st birthday.
“You only had to be 18 to serve in the war and many young men could not wait to reach the age to join as it was the only means of travel in those days.”
While a life-altering experience filled with many emotions, there were some moments of humour Mr Lynn can still recall.
“At the end, we were in the north of New Guinea,” he recalled.
“We were being discharged and I was lying on the beach and heard cries of help.
“I looked out to sea and noticed a couple of men drifting out.”
Mr Lynn swam out to meet the men before realising they were his chief executive and adjutant general.
“They were clinging to a rubber tune and could not swim,” he said.
“Once I swam out there and saw who it was, I told them they better do as I say this time before getting hold of them and leading them back to shore.
“I did not have as much of a hard time after that.”
Anzac Day is a day of importance for Mr Lynn, which allows him to reflect and show his respects for the diggers who served.
“I had three uncles in the first World War and Anzac Day really just allows me to reflect on it all,” he said.
The Penola district will come together tomorrow at Penola War Memorial Park to remember the sacrifice of the nation’s servicemen and women.
Colourful wreaths are expected to be placed by community groups with Penola’s Catholic priest, Father Michael Romeo conducting the service.
Naracoorte’s horsemen will join the service for the first time with the Penola and District Caledonian Pipe Band expected to make their annual appearance.
Penola Primary School teacher Nicole Leer will conduct the combined schools choir for a handful of songs throughout the ceremony.
Penola Coonawarra RSL (RSL) president Peter Degaris said a well attended ceremony is expected in line with previous years.
“The Penola service has always been well supported and we do hope there will be a similar response this year,” Mr Degaris said.
Mr Degaris also invites the community to to Penola Coonawarra RSL post-ceremony for breakfast.
The ceremony will start at 7.30am at the Penola War Memorial.
