Rest in Peace — 99 Year Old WWII Veteran Rides in my Model T at ANZAC Parade

[ModelTMitch]

I had the honour of being invited by the President of the Taree RSL Sub-Branch to take part in the ANZAC Day Parade, driving my Model T down the heart of Taree’s main street. Riding alongside me was 99-year-old WWII veteran Dulcie Balderston, who enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force at just 18 — an incredible legacy of service for which we are truly grateful.

We were accompanied by a beautifully preserved 1917 Studebaker, while two WWII-era Willy’s Jeeps led the procession. The Jeeps set the pace, followed by the Studebaker, then my Model T, with the marching band providing a rousing soundtrack just behind us.

Before the formal service, representatives from local schools and community groups laid wreaths at the memorial, paying their respects. Taree RSL President Darcy Elbourne then presented Dulcie Balderston — a cherished figure in both the RSL and wider community — with a Commemorative Medallion, celebrating 75 years since the end of the Second World War.

The streets were lined with hundreds of locals, all gathered along Victoria Street to support and applaud the parade, which concluded at Fotheringham Park with a moving commemorative service beside the memorial clock tower.

Adding a special touch to the event, local musician Brianna Xuereb performed a heartfelt version of Lee Kernaghan’s I Will Always Be for You, a tribute song dedicated to Afghanistan veterans and Australia's younger servicemen and women.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mXAM9CJO2E

For my Global readers... a description of ANZAC Day...

ANZAC Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, observed annually on April 25. It honors the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. The day originally commemorated the landing of ANZAC troops at Gallipoli, Turkey, on April 25, 1915, during World War I, which became a defining moment in both nations' histories.

Though the Gallipoli campaign itself ended in a heavy defeat, the courage, spirit, and sacrifice of the soldiers were seen as a unifying and nation-building moment for both Australia and New Zealand. Over time, ANZAC Day has expanded to honor all military personnel who have served and died in various conflicts, not just Gallipoli or WWI.

Key aspects of ANZAC Day include:

• Dawn Services: These early morning ceremonies are held in towns and cities across both countries, often at war memorials. The dawn service is a tribute to the timing of the Gallipoli landing and symbolizes remembrance in the quiet of morning.
• The Last Post: This bugle call is played at dawn services and other ceremonies to signify that the fallen are being honored.
• Wreath Laying: People, including military personnel, families, and public officials, lay wreaths of flowers at war memorials as a sign of respect and remembrance.
• The ANZAC Spirit: The day also celebrates the enduring values associated with the ANZACs, such as mateship, courage, and sacrifice.

ANZAC Day is a solemn occasion, but it also serves to strengthen national identity, with many people attending ceremonies or participating in events like marches or veterans’ reunions.

[Daisy Mae]

Wow. That was quite an honor... good on ya, Mate!

So few of that generation left...

[John Codman]

If you can ever find it, ANZACS is a great WW1 film starring a young Paul Hogan. I have been trying to buy a DVD of it, but it's stupid expensive. I recorded it on a VHS tape years ago, but the tape deteriorated to the point that it was no longer watchable.

[NY John T]

Very moving ceremony Mitch. Thanks for letting us know.

[ModelTMitch]

Thank you all for your positive and uplifting comments.

[A Whiteman]

If you can ever find it, ANZACS is a great WW1 film starring a young Paul Hogan

This is a mini series on TV made in 1985, and yes Paul Hogan was a tad younger at the time .
There is another minis series called 'ANZAC Girls' made in 2014 following the experiences of a group of nurses.

[Allan]

I was the veteran vehicle wrangler for the ANZAC Girls series. I was considered too old to be on screen, but my son got to drive the Albion truck when two of the nurses were ending their service.

Allan from down under.

[ModelTMitch]

It is with much sadness that I inform you all of the passing of Dulcie Balderston, my lovely passenger in my Model T at the ANZAC parade through Taree. She passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, just 4 days after ANZAC Day, a week short of her 99th birthday. My sincerest condolences to Dulcie's family. Thank you for the honour of meeting you Dulcie, and thank you for the privilege of driving you in your final ANZAC parade. Thank you for your service and may you rest in peace.

It was my honour to drive Dulcie Balderston in the ANZAC Day Parade in Taree.

[Wayne Sheldon]

I am sure that you must have enrichened her final days immeasurably!

[Daisy Mae]

What a sad note.

As sad as this is, you must take solace with the gift you gave her. The smile on that lady's face speaks volumes. You gave her joy and the gift of living....that's priceless.

[John Codman]

If you can ever find it, ANZACS is a great WW1 film starring a young Paul Hogan

This is a mini series on TV made in 1985, and yes Paul Hogan was a tad younger at the time .
There is another minis series called 'ANZAC Girls' made in 2014 following the experiences of a group of nurses.

I didn't remember that it was a miniseries. I taped it without commercials and just assumed when I watched it that it was a film.

[ModelTMitch]

I am sure that you must have enrichened her final days immeasurably!

What a sad note.

As sad as this is, you must take solace with the gift you gave her. The smile on that lady's face speaks volumes. You gave her joy and the gift of living....that's priceless.

Yes, it's the celebration of life, and all the positive experiences that come with it. Even though ANZAC Day is generally a very solemn occasion, I had to smile, with the joy that was experienced by so many. Especially the smiles on the children's faces with a gesture as simple as handing them a small Australian flag to wave.

[Daisy Mae]

That's what it's all about Mitch, ain't it?
Good on ya!

[ModelTMitch]

That's what it's all about Mitch, ain't it?
Good on ya!

Absolutely! The Model T brings smiles to everyone's faces