Port Macquarie National Servicemen held their annual National Servicemen’s Day at McInherney Park on Monday, February 14.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the commencement of National Service.
Port Macquarie Nashos were joined by members of the Macleay Valley branch.
Port Macquarie RSL Sub-Branch, RAAF Association, Vietnam Veterans’ Association, State and Local Government and the Dept of Veterans’ Affairs were all represented; and some addressed the gathering.
In giving the Commemorative Address, Sub-Branch President Merv McCudden said it was a day to reflect on the time spent in the service of Australia, and to pay homage to the 212 Nasho mates who paid the supreme sacrifice, most of them in Vietnam.
Between 1951 and 1972, over 287,000 young men were drafted into National Service to help fulfil Australia’s Defence preparedness for three decades.
In the first scheme, they were called up between 1951 and 1959 and the second scheme between 1965 and 1972.
No women were called up for National Service.
The NSA is the second largest ex-service organisation after the RSL.
Last September, several of local members had the privilege of joining over 4000 other Nashos and their families when Australia honoured its National Servicemen with the dedication of the National Service Memorial at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
Here at McInherney Park, plans are in place for the erection of a new memorial which is expected to be completed within a few months.
Port Macquarie Sub-Branch embraces the Hastings and Camden Haven Districts and new members are welcome at any time, especially newcomers to the district.
Secretary Ray Chesher can be contacted on 6584 5408.
