Each year before their ANZAC Day games, members of the Ferny Grove Falcons AFL Club join the veterans of the 42 for 42 non-for-profit organisation on a tour of the Afghanistan War Memorial Garden to listen to the stories of soldiers who served in Afghanistan and remember those who lost their lives.
Ferny Grove Senior Coach Sean Mulqueen said ANZAC Day was always a special day for the club with the Enoggera Army Barracks just down the road.
“Our club has always had Army personnel involved, whether it is playing, supporting or part of the committee. Our senior’s side has had players every year from the Enoggera barracks participate and help grow our club,” he said.
“A lot of our past players served in Afghanistan and to partner with 42 for 42 who have built the Afghanistan War Memorial Garden is important for us and is a way we can thank all of them and their families.”
Mulqueen is also President of 42 for 42 – a non-for-profit organisation founded by ex-service men and women to help veterans and their families come together for a common cause, move forward in life, and help share each other’s burdens and carry the load.
Mulley said the club worked closely with 42 for 42 in organising its ANZAC ceremony in between all of its home games.
“The organisation helped coordinate the ceremony by including 6RAR as catafalque party, involving veterans and veteran organisations, like the Smokin Sappers BBQ team along with families of the fallen from those lost in Afghanistan,” he said.
“The idea of organising an ANZAC ceremony was important for us to acknowledge those that have been involved at the club that have a defence background and all Australians that have served our country.”
The whole club came together on the day with the junior, youth, men’s, and women’s master’s teams playing before a powerful ceremony which was followed by the senior men’s side which played Glasshouse Lions for the 42 for 42 Afghanistan War Memorial Garden shield.
“As a club we are extremely proud that we can play our small part in recognize what ANZAC Day means to many Australians”, Mulley said.
“It’s a privilege that we can show gratitude to all the those that have served in the Australian Defence Force.”
