One of Australia’s few remaining World War II veterans has celebrated his 100th birthday with his nearest and dearest.
Leonard ‘Len’ Seto marked the special occasion with family and friends at the Caloundra RSL Sub Branch.
Len worked as an 18-year-old clerk and lounge waiter before he enlisted in the Australian Army in December 1941.
His decision to enlist was sparked by his adventurous spirit and desire to do his duty.
He served in New Guinea as a signalman with the 2/11th Field Regiment and has many memories of WWII, notably the day when the Japanese surrender was announced.
After returning to Australia in 1946 and discharging, Len went on to undertake a career in signwriting, helping to up-skill the next generation of apprentices as a TAFE teacher.
Len also took up ballroom dancing to help with his PTSD.
“When I came back from the Army, I wanted to do something to relax and take my mind off things,” he said.
“This led me to take up ballroom dancing, which is where I met my wife, Hazel.”
During his life, Len has overcome many challenges, from the difficulties experienced post-service to losing his life’s possessions in the 1974 Brisbane floods.
Journeying through the highs and lows of life, Len found great joy in his family, having four children, four grandchildren and now a great-grandchild.
When asked how he feels to be turning 100, he said “I thank God that I’ve reached this milestone” and his advice is to “eat plenty of chocolate and ice cream”.
Len’s son Paul said it was a miracle to reach the milestone and that he was excited to celebrate his father’s 100th birthday on April 11.
“It’s a delight to be able to have a conversation with your father at 100 years of age and not have to worry about him being unable to hear or see you,” he said.
“He’s got incredible finesse; he can still use a fine black pen without any shuddering.”
Len was presented with a certificate acknowledging his outstanding achievements in service and beyond.
Caloundra RSL Sub Branch president Heather Christie said it was wonderful to celebrate a longstanding member who recalled the time when the sub-branch was just a demountable building.
“It’s so special to celebrate these milestone birthdays and Len’s 100th is no exception,” she said.
“We were honoured to present Len with his certificate and come together for this monumental occasion.”
Paul said his dad had a strong connection to ANZAC Day during his life, with his earliest memories as a boy being woken up and taken to the ANZAC Day service in Brisbane.
“My first memory of ANZAC Day is being woken up when it’s still dark – we’d all get dressed and go and march,” he said.
RSL Queensland is encouraging the community to attend their local service on ANZAC Day, Tuesday, April 25.
For more information and a full list of RSL Queensland ANZAC Day commemorative services, click here.
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