The couple met while serving in the transport corps of the Australian Army and decided to make Seymour home after a posting at Puckapunyal.
The couple’s two-year-old daughter Savannah did not fully understand the reason for standing silently in the driveway on Anzac Day but enjoyed the chance to lay a wreath.
The family paid its respects from home by lighting a fire, laying wreaths and having a minute's silence next to a cross in the front yard.
“Remembering the fallen, mates lost in conflicts overseas, here at home and those currently serving is very important to us and we want our children to understand what it all means,” Charlene said.
“We enjoy our wonderful way of life because of the sacrifices older generations have made.”
Charlene and Matt wanted to ensure younger generations kept the Anzac spirit alive and provide support to young veterans and emergency services, so they started the North Central Young Veterans.
“Young Veterans began in Melbourne and has since spread around the country,” Charlene said.
“North Central Young Veterans is associated with the Seymour RSL and is proving popular locally.
“If young people are aware of the sacrifices made by previous generations, they will continue to remember and honour them.
“We don’t ever want it to fade away and have Anzac Day be just another day. Too many people gave their lives and continue to sacrifice for that to happen.”
For more information about North Central Young Veterans, email northcentralvic.youngveterans@outlook.com
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