By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
A SPECIAL invitation has been extended to the Muslim community ahead of the Remembrance Day service at the Pillars of Freedom, Dandenong tomorrow (Tuesday).
Dandenong RSL president John Wells said he was concerned about a “general over-reaction” against Muslims in recent times.
“Remembrance Day celebrates the end of conflict. We need to remember the army has had Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Aboriginals. It is one of the most multicultural organisations in the country.
“As far as I’m concerned, if you come to Australia, raise a family, work and pay taxes, you’re part of the club.”
Mr Wells said he was “troubled” that defence force cadets were banned from wearing uniforms at Remembrance Day services, resulting in a pared-back ceremony.
In recent months, Australian Defence Force personnel have been advised to be cautious and police officers told to be armed when wearing their uniforms in public.
As a result, the catafalque party, that stand as sentinels at the cenotaph, and mounted guards have been dropped from services.
“It gives the bad guys a free kick,” he said.
“I think there’s been a big over-reaction in the community generally.”
Organisers carried on with a Remembrance Day service in Endeavour Hills last Thursday.
The service was held at a war memorial five days before 11 November, not far from the police station where Numan Haider was shot dead after stabbing two police officers in September.
Senior Sergeant Phil Byrne of Endeavour Hills police said there were no security concerns ahead of the service.
