The lifting of most restrictions means tomorrow’s Anzac Day will be the biggest since 2019.
And the man right at the centre of overseeing the 2022 dawn services and marches is long time Campbelltown residents Ray James.
Mr James became acting president of the NSW RSL in July 2019.
On December 8, 2020 he was voted in as president in the first one member one vote election in the history of RSL.
He is currently serving a three year term.
A Vietnam veteran himself, Ray James served for 46 years in the Australian Navy and the Navy Reserves.
While his focus the past couple of weeks has been on Anzac Day, Ray James sees his role as one that can help make a real difference to veterans young and old.
“We want to increase membership of the RSL by encouraging younger veterans to join; ensuring all veterans are supported through welfare and pension advocacy; maintaining the traditions of the Anzacs and commemorating all of those who fought, served and died for our nation,’’ he tells the South West Voice.
“The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has so far highlighted the failures of the ADF, DVA, ESOs and Government,’’ Mr James said.
“We need to stop young servicemen and servicewomen from killing themselves.
“We need to provide better support to help veterans and their families.
“We need to work together more as an ex-service community to help those in need.’’
As president of NSW RSL Mr James will be attending the Anzac Dawn Service at Martin Place from 4.30am tomorrow and then Sydney Anzac Day march, which starts from 9am.
“With the previous restrictions and lockdowns gone I am hopeful of a very large turnout,’’ says Mr James.
“The reunions will be back and we expect the largest crowds for several years.’’
Mr James says Anzac Day has been getting bigger and the whole community is supportive.
“I encourage the community to find out where your local Anzac Day Dawn Service will be held and go along to support those who served.’’
