COMMEORATIONS UPDATE

The Korean War veteran’s reunion here in Adelaide was a huge success, and the RAR Association SA planned strongly to bring the forgotten war into the public eye by raising awareness through a commemorative service for the Battle of Kapyong, at Saint peters Cathedral, North Adelaide. Both of these events were a major success, and may Korean veterans have sent their ‘thank yous’ to the Association.

Having spent a lot of time with the veterans, I am well aware of the oral military history that will be lost when these men and women pass on, and it saddens me to think that such a crucial aspect of our social development as a nation, will be so widely lost. The Korean War was more than just a place in some far off country that no one had heard of before Kim Ill Sung unleashed his war machine across the 17th parallel. No heroes return for the men and women who fought there, just a quiet trip back to Australia, debriefed, demobbed or discharged, and sent off home to be normal, every day Australians, whose memories were crammed with the characters and events that shaped our military character in the beginnings of the hostile environment known euphemistically as, The Cold War.

Yet time waits for no man, and already the next commemoration is upon us.

The battles for Fire Support Patrol Bases Coral and Balmoral are edits in our military history, but to those who served at the two Fire Bases, will always remember them as a life threatening time, one where the youth of our nation once more upheld the tradition of the Australian fighting man, first seen in the Boer War, Gallipoli and Beersheba. The two bases supported operation in Area of Operation Surfers from 12 May to 6 June, 1968, and included a range of Services and Arms. 25 young men died conducting patrols in the area and in defending the bases to disrupt the ability of the Viet Cong to instigate and create situations that would give political leverage to North Vietnam in the upcoming Peace Talks.

It is important to the RAR Association SA that these sacrifices not be in vain, or forgotten, not overlooked because it’s cold or wet. In this the 40th Anniversary of those battles, it is right and proper than many attend the national reunions, to renew old acquaintances, or to meet the families of those who have not survived the peace, yet it is also right and proper that we who did not share that experience, have the opportunity to show our respect for the dead, and to honour our commitment to history, custom and tradition.

The Association will hold a commemoration at the Vietnam veterans War Memorial, Torrens Parade Ground, on Sunday 25thMay 2008, commencing at 1100hr. In the spirit of combined operations, and as a reflection of the combined support at Coral and Balmoral, the commemoration includes members of 12 Field Regiment, 102 Field Battery, 1 Armoured Regiment, 3 Cavalry Regiment, RA SIGs (104 Sigs), RAE, 9 SQN, 161 Field Battery (RNZA) and 131 DIV LOC Battery. The Infantry component will comprise 1st Battalion and 3rd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment.

You are invited to attend this day, even though you may have attended bigger and better events nationally, simply because this is your home state, we all enjoy membership in the Brotherhood, and these days of significance are days in which we have a common bond with the younger veterans of Australia. The Combined Ex-services Mess at Torrens Parade Ground will put on a light lunch, coffee and tea. Drinks will be at your own expense. 10/27 Royal South Australian Regiment will provide a catafalque Party, a fitting exercise since the RSAR were part of the Regiment until the mid 60’s.

Bring your family, your grandchildren, your friends and your wheelchairs. Seating will be provided, vocals by our own fabulous Catherine Lambert, Nicki Horsnell, Alexander Frost, Billie Lambert and Demi Walsh.

This is truly an ex-serviceman’s commemoration. Not a politician in sight. Just us Diggers.