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The National Service Memorial
A Memorial Elegant in its Simplicity
And in Memory of those who Died...
A total of 4,200 National Servicemen and their families watched in the culmination of nine years of planning, fund raising and construction. Mrs. Betty Kingston, 83, of Brisbane, whose son Ian died in Vietnam and Miss Isabella Doherty, 17, of Victoria, who lost her grandfather, John Doherty also in Vietnam, laid a wreath of 212 poppies – one for each life of those who did not return.
The Great Hall of Parliament House held 1,000 guests – members of the National and State Councils, Sub-Branch representatives chosen by ballot, members of the families of the 212 who died on active service and official guests. Pipers from the National Servicemen’s Memorial Pipes and Drums provided the music.
The Parade On Wednesday, 8 September, in a sea of blue blazers and berets, an estimated 2,500 National Servicemen formed the largest parade of its kind in their history in Anzac Parade. They marched in the year of their call-up – from the pioneers of 1951 to the last Vietnam call-up in 1972.
With their families, they travelled from all over Australia to watch the solemn ceremony around the Memorial. The sandstone, granite and bronze fountain, set in its own precinct of red gravel paths, sandstone surrounds and benches flanked by specially planted snow gums, and pencil pines stands against the imposing backdrop of the iconic Australian War Memorial.
Archbishop the Rt. Rev Dr. Peter Hollingworth, an RAAF National Serviceman and former Governor-General of Australia and Senior Pastor Wayne Lyons, a Vietnam veteran blessed the Memorial.
The Hon. Jeff Kennett, a National Service officer and former Premier of Victoria, gave the Farewell on behalf of all National Servicemen as the RAAF Roulettes flashed overhead in salute.
The National Media Officer, Allen Callaghan, who compered the parade also was the co-compere with Chris Reason (pictured below) for Channel 7’s live 75-minute national telecast of the Dedication. The ABC and Sky television also took the coverage. Channel 7’s owner, Mr. Kerry Stokes, donated $150,000 to the Memorial fund.
Earle
Jennings AM RFD ED |
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About Us | National Executive | National Council | State Branches | Nasho History | National Service Memorial
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