Wollert resident Denis Chislett last week received a World War Two commemorative medallion for his service in the Australian Army.
Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell presented the medallion, first commissioned in 2020 to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of World War Two and recognise and honour the contribution of veterans.
Private Chislett, born in 1925, enlisted on October 31, 1944, serving in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland before heading to Bouganville and Rabaul in New Guinea and then being discharged December 2, 1946.
Mr Chislett, now 98, resides in Wollert Lifestyle Village with son Mark, and was surrounded by generations of family during the presentation.
He was escorted by fellow veterans from Lifestyle Village to be presented with the award.
“I just want to thank you all for this,” Mr Chislett said.
“It is amazing to have everyone here, taking their time to make this a very special day. All I can say is thank you so much.”
Mr Chislett’s son Mark said his father was grateful for the award.
“Dad isn’t the type to like to take centre stage, but he is just over the moon with this and really, really touched,” he said.
“The whole family is so grateful for the respect paid to him and this is a really special moment for us all.”
Mr Mitchell said he felt privileged to present the award.
“These medals were intended to symbolise the deep respect and admiration we hold for those who selflessly defended our way of life during this conflict and it is my pleasure to pay this respect in person to Dennis Chislett,” he said.
“Time cannot diminish the sacrifices made by those who answered that call of duty. We are reminded every day that we all live with the freedoms we do thanks to those who fought to defend them and how their efforts still inspire us today.
“Thank you Dennis for the sacrifices you endured, the hardships you faced and the dedication you showed to our nation and its ideals. Your service has not been forgotten or gone unnoticed and your courage is part of this country’s history.”
Also in attendance were RSL Victoria state senior vice president and former Broadford RSL sub branch president Des Callaghan, Epping RSL’s president Kevin Ind and vice president Michael Reed.
