September 14 will mark the day the Port Macquarie National Servicemen’s Association members celebrate a new memorial being built in McInherney Park, Port Macquarie.
The Association’s President Graham Smith said the event promises to be a very moving day, with tributes not only for the 212 Nashos who were killed on active service but also the 25-30 local district Nashos who have since died.
“We will be laying wreaths and poppies in a moving ceremony complete with a lone piper playing a traditional lament,” he said.
“The day’s events will start with a march headed up by the Newcastle Re-enactment Group, complete with World War II uniforms, 303 rifles and bayonets, followed by representatives of the Port Macquarie Army and Air Force cadet units.
“The main body of marchers will be the Port Nashos led by a World War II army jeep carrying those members who have mobility difficulties.
“We are asking that all Nashos, irrespective of whether they are members of the Association or not, to contact us to indicate their attendance as we would like to catch up with as many as possible.”
Mr Smith said families, friends, past and present, are all welcome, “as this will be a day to meet with old friends and make new ones”.
“Following the conclusion of the Dedication Ceremony, we will be providing a light lunch at no cost to all that attend,” he said.
“We would like all those intending to attend the function to contact us as we need to have some idea for catering purposes.
“Our other major event is the Cards for the Troops program where we aim to send a personalised Christmas card to every serving overseas Defence Force personnel.
“There are 3500 currently serving in eight theatres of war. We currently have about 2500 cards out to schools and other organisations, but we would like to complete the final 1000 cards to ensure that no-one is missed out.
“We have a very personalised message on each card, which contains two beautiful images of Port Macquarie as well as space to put your own greetings and well wishes.
“We are placing eight cards in a self addressed envelope where we ask that people complete the same or different message for all cards and put a stamp on the envelope and return it to us by September 24.
“This will allow enough time to divide all the cards up into the eight overseas theatres, bundle them up and send to Defence Canberra for on forwarding to the troops before Christmas.”
Mr Smith said the feedback the Association has had from the troops has been excellent, “and we will be making this an annual event as it gives so much pleasure to so many by so few”.
