National Servicemen’s commemorative service held at AWM
By Ron Brandy, National President, National Servicemen’s Association of Australia (NSAA)
A COVID-delayed commemorative service for all former National Servicemen was held at the National Servicemen’s Memorial at the Australian War Memorial (AWM) on 8 September 2022.
We commemorated three key dates in the history of post Second World War National Service:
- 2021 – 70 years since the start of the 1951–59 National Service Scheme
- 2022 – 50 years since the end of 1965–72 National Service Scheme
- 2022 – 12 years since the 8September 2010 dedication of the National Servicemen’s Memorial.
More than 280,000 men were conscripted for compulsory military service in the two post Second World War National Service schemes. Of this number, 210 died on active service in Vietnam and two in Borneo, while more than 1,200 were wounded, and many men and their families have suffered the psychological and emotional scars of war.
We were privileged to have National Servicemen and their family members attend from most states and territories, travelling independently and in buses over long distances. As mentioned on the day, the significance of this occasion cannot be overemphasised, as for some this may well be the last opportunity to be present at a National Service commemoration at the AWM.
National Servicemen and their families were welcomed by the AWM’s Director Matt Anderson PSM, the Commemorative Address was delivered by Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh and Dr Brendan Nelson AO who delivered the keynote address as NSAA patron.
All speakers reflected on the appreciation of the nation for the service of National Servicemen and reinforced the significance of ‘service before self’ and that ‘service is an act of helping’, as an underpinning element offered by all National Servicemen, and all of those who have worn the uniform of the armed forces of Australia.
Our service also recognised and celebrated the dedication of those of the NSAA team who, from 2002 through to the 2010, worked tirelessly in collaboration with AWM staff, and supporting specialists, the ACT Government, and other agencies, to deliver the National Servicemen’s Memorial dedicated 12 years ago. The NSAA implementation team were blessed with the generous financial support of many individuals, Mr Kerry Stokes being one, NSAA members, and the Australian Government through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
This was a significant service, at a significant time, and in a significant location. Lest we Forget.
From left: Mr Frank Miller, Chairman, Officer Training Unit Association Scheyville; Mrs Mary Brandy CSM, Mr Ron Brandy, National President, NSAA; Barnaby Joyce, Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs; Andrew Hastie, Shadow Minister for Defence; Matt Anderson PSM, Director, AWM; Ms Emma Davidson MLA ACT, Minister for Veterans’ and Seniors; Dr Brendan Nelson AO, Patron NSAA and Chairman AWM Board; Matt Keogh, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs. Photos courtesy AWM.
