Event summary submitted by Marion Young (daughter of the late Ern Veal).

The families of 2/2 Pioneers gathered in Flinders Street on 25th April 2010. It was very exciting to see the Pioneers - some preparing to March, others to travel in the vehicle.

Those in the March were Col Hamley, Harold Ramsey and Dub Smith with Clarrie Christie and Tom Gore in the cars - all original Pioneers and ex POW. Our Pioneers were looking very agile (and suave!), especially the two in the car!

There was some early excitement as we realised that Ron Barassi would be marching directly behind us, with the AASC.

The banner was carried by Bryan and Steven Ramsey (sons of Harold Ramsey), Robyn and Kylie Hardy (daughter and granddaughter of Tom Gore), Emma Hamley (granddaughter of Col Hamley) and Joanne Youens (daughter of Harry Youens).

We formed rows of eight across behind the Veterans, and waited for the order to march off. As we turned into Swanston Street, we were given the hint to increase the pace.

It was great to hear the applause, and the calls of “Good on you, Pioneers” as our Veterans headed down St Kilda Road. Someone misunderstood the purple scarves and called “Go Storm!”, but generally the crowds were intent on honouring our soldiers. Tears welled up as I remembered watching the Pioneers march past as a child. Gosh they were impressive! Hopefully we represented them well.

With sixty marchers, we attempted to hold our “lines” and keep in step - some had more luck that others! Those with military experience had a distinct advantage! Occasionally we had music. It is always easier to march to music!

Some recognised the ‘official’ Pioneer photographers along the way, and were prepared for the photos.

We strode up the forecourt of the Shrine for “eyes right” and shortly after were directed to the left to “fall out”. As we walked down the hill, we caught up with friends and family, had a quick cup of tea, and headed for the Waterside Hotel for the luncheon.

Did everyone hear how the President’s wife hitched a ride in a Police Car (4wd) to the Waterside Hotel?

Well, after alighting from the stretched golf buggy which taxied them down St Kilda Road, our President (Col) was wondering how they would travel the next few blocks. His intrepid wife (Val) saw a police car on the other side of the road, and signalled to the driver, who made a U turn, pulled up and asked what he could do for them?

Val requested a ride to the Waterside Hotel, and (after mentioning that he was not supposed to take passengers) he suggested they hop in as he was going that direction! He then insisted on dropping them at the front door of the Hotel.

At the Hotel, our Pioneer families were spread over two rooms, but managed nevertheless to enjoy a lovely meal, good service and great company. Friends caught up with news, and new friends were made! Lots of information was shared, and a good time was had.

The President thanked everyone for their attendance, first in one room and then in the other, and people began their journey home. Hopefully we will all catch up again at the Pilgrimage on 20th June.

2010 ANZAC Day March at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Victoria. Steven Ramsay (front rope), Kylie Hardy (front rope), Robyn Hardy (holding banner), Bryan Ramsay (holding banner), Joanne Youens (back rope), Emma Hamley (back rope [obscured]). Photo courtesy of A. Collie (daughter of VX19003 J. Donald). id no. A_COLLIE_72

Col Hamley leading, Dub Smith. Photo courtesy of A. Collie (daughter of VX19003 J. Donald). id no. A_COLLIE_73

Seated in car left to right :Tom Gore, Clarrie Christie (waving). Photo courtesy of A. Collie (daughter of VX19003 J. Donald). id no. A_COLLIE_74

2010 ANZAC Day March at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Victoria. Photo courtesy of A. Collie (daughter of VX19003 J. Donald). id no. A_COLLIE_75

2010 ANZAC Day March at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Victoria. Richard Brabin. Photo courtesy of A. Collie (daughter of VX19003 J. Donald). id no. A_COLLIE_94

2010 ANZAC Day March at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Victoria. Photo courtesy of A. Holland (daughter of Mac Gregson). id no. A_HOLLAND_8

2010 ANZAC Day March at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Victoria. Photo courtesy of A. Holland (daughter of Mac Gregson). id no. A_HOLLAND_9

2010 ANZAC Day March at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Victoria. Photo courtesy of A. Holland (daughter of Mac Gregson). id no. A_HOLLAND_10

2010 ANZAC Day March at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Victoria. Photo courtesy of A. Holland (daughter of Mac Gregson). id no. A_HOLLAND_11

Left to right : Harold Ramsey, Dub Smith, Jenny Davidson. Photo courtesy of A. Holland (daughter of Mac Gregson). id no. A_HOLLAND_12

Left to right : Shane Christie, Clarrie Christie, Malcolm Brodie. Photo courtesy of A. Holland (daughter of Mac Gregson). id no. A_HOLLAND_13

Left to right : Alan Rae, Colin Vincent, Les Clark, Richard Brabin. Photo courtesy of A. Holland (daughter of Mac Gregson). id no. A_HOLLAND_14

Left to right : Col Hamley, Stewart Handasyde. Photo courtesy of A. Holland (daughter of Mac Gregson). id no. A_HOLLAND_15

Scout allocated by March organisers. Photo courtesy of A. Holland (daughter of Mac Gregson). id no. A_HOLLAND_16

2010 ANZAC Day March at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Victoria. Photo courtesy of A. Holland (daughter of Mac Gregson). id no. A_HOLLAND_17

2010 ANZAC Day March at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Victoria. Photo courtesy of A. Holland (daughter of Mac Gregson). id no. A_HOLLAND_18

Tom Gore preparing for the March. Photo courtesy of J. Davidson (daughter of Ern Veal). id no. J_DAVIDSON_1

2010 ANZAC Day March at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Victoria. Photo courtesy of C. Sandell (grandson of VX73689 C. A. R. Douglas). id no. C_SANDELL_1

2010 ANZAC Day March at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Victoria. Photo courtesy of C. Sandell (grandson of VX73689 C. A. R. Douglas). id no. C_SANDELL_2

2010 ANZAC Day March at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Victoria. Photo courtesy of C. Sandell (grandson of VX73689 C. A. R. Douglas). id no. C_SANDELL_3

2010 ANZAC Day March at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Victoria. Photo courtesy of C. Sandell (grandson of VX73689 C. A. R. Douglas). id no. C_SANDELL_4

2010 ANZAC Day March at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Victoria. Photo courtesy of C. Sandell (grandson of VX73689 C. A. R. Douglas). id no. C_SANDELL_5

2010 ANZAC Day March at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Victoria. Photo courtesy of C. Sandell (grandson of VX73689 C. A. R. Douglas). id no. C_SANDELL_6

2010 ANZAC Day March at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Victoria. Photo courtesy of C. Sandell (grandson of VX73689 C. A. R. Douglas). id no. C_SANDELL_7