Margaret River RSL: We need members to keep spirit alive

They have mounted a major membership campaign to particularly target younger ex-servicemen and women who have served since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975.

Returned and Services League Margaret River sub-branch president Keith Simmonds said the sub-branch had produced new membership brochures titled "Let's keep the flame burning".

It was not generally understood that membership of the RSL was open to a broad range of people, not just people who had served their country, Mr Simmonds said.

"Membership is also open to people who work as nurses, prison officers or for St John Ambulance or numerous other state and commonwealth paramilitary services," he said.

Sub-branch secretary Robert Scott said the RSL's voluntary members were extremely grateful for the broad support they received from the community.

However, more members were needed to meet the needs of the Anzac Centenary years.

This year is particularly important as it will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the landing of Anzac troops at Gallipoli.

"More than one quarter of the Australian soldiers who landed on April 25 were West Australian, so this year is of particular significance," Mr Scott said.

"About 10 per cent of WA's total population or 32,231 volunteered to serve in World War I 100 years ago the highest proportion of any state."

The Returned and Services League in WA is pulling out all the stops to help the community engage as many people as possible in the Anzac Centenary. Women and children throughout WA have produced thousands of poppies as a tribute to those who served during World War I.

In all, more than 62,000 Australians and 16,000 New Zealanders were killed in World War I. Far more were injured.

"We will remember them," Mr Scott said.

People interested in being involved with the RSL can contact Robert Scott on 9758 8777.