Remembrance Day – Canberra

When I came to Canberra for the weekend, I wanted to do three things – see the original Long Tan Cross, catch up with John Snare, my Platoon Commander in Vietnam and attend the Remembrance Day service at the Australian War Memorial. This morning, we attended the Rembrancd Day Service.

20121111-183551.jpg

One of the highlights was the parade of the Australian Federation Guard – a combination of Army, Air Force and Navy Personnel with excellent drill. I can say that it would have been a far better performance than that of our day. They were backed up by the band from Duntroon who provided excellent musical support.

The main difference between this service here and those in the state capitals is the attendance of senior military and diplomatic representatives. For example. the service was attended by the Governor General and the Prime Minister. The address was given by the Head of the Australian Military and wreaths were laid by about 50 Ambassadors of countries ranging from Kuwait to Singapore. A very touching part was the large number of school children from all over Australia who laid poppies on the memorial.

It was a lovely sunny day – not too hot, but nor was it chilly. We found s good position along the fence behind the seated area. I’m glad that I had a hat to wear, the only problem was understanding the protocol of when it should be removed such as during the minute’s silence and the playing of the National Anthem.

Bruce

Bruce is a keen traveller and photographer. This web site describes his travel and family interests

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Memories

Its Fifty Years Since Australia’s Involvment in the Vietnam War Concluded

Today is Vietnam Veterans Day and it was a special day. Thousands of Vietnam Veterans assembled in our nation’s capital, Canberra, to commemorate fifty years since our last troops were withdrawn from Vietnam and our war there ended. Similar services took place in cities and towns across Australia today. Our Prime Minister’s message for this […]

Read More
Memories

I’m Officially a ‘Golden Oldie’

I found out today that I am now a ‘Golden Oldie’. I attended a reunion lunch for past students of Melbourne High School and it seems that everyone who graduated over 55 yrears ago is now classed as a ‘Golden Oldie. The Old Boys Association (Unicorn Club) holds a reunion dinner every five and ten […]

Read More
Memories

Commemorating Those Lost in Battle

You might think that when an unknown soldier dies on the battlefield, his name will just be recorded on a list of ‘Missing in Action’ or his remains will be interred in a grave with a headstone simply marked as an “Unknown Soldier”. This is not always the case! Today I attended the annual commemoration […]

Read More