President’s Report 1999
I congratulate our retired President, Cec Rae, who has served 50 years on our Committee – many of these years being as Honorary Secretary of our Association. I must also take the opportunity of congratulating John Hepworth who has set the remarkable record of 51 years as Honorary Treasurer.
On behalf of all of us, I thank Cec and John for their wonderful service- We wish them well and look forward to having the continued benefit of their experience.
Our “get-together” on 24th April 1998 was another great reunion to remember. About 80 members attended. This number has remained fairly constant over the past four years in spite of the fact that we have lost many comrades over that period of time. I would like to see more taking part in the Anzac March although I realize many are finding the physical side a little tough.
The very warm reception from the public viewing the march gives one a great feeling of pride and helps to commemorate the memory of those men who served but are no longer with us.
In these last few years, school children seem to have become more aware of the history of the two world wars. I am sure that the special publicity and ceremonies of the 50th Anniversary engendered this and of course Legacy’s continuing program of involving children in the planting of pine trees raised from the seed of the original Aleppo pine growing in Anzac Cove in 1914.
It might be appropriate to remind members of the regiment that most of you are eligible to receive the Gold Card from Veteran Affairs. The financial advantages of holding a Gold Card are tremendous as it covers complete health care costs. Consult the Department of Veteran Affairs if you are in doubt.
Before concluding, thanks are due to some particularly helpful people – there is John Campbell our Hon. Secretary who can be relied upon for good support for the President.
Then there is Ron Bryant for the job he cheerfully does to bring this great newsletter to you each year and also my thanks to Max Parsons (from the 2/12 Field Regiment) who finally arranges its printing. Ron Berry keeps our address list up to date.
Lastly to the Committee and Members of the Association thank you for the honour of representing you as President.
I look forward to welcoming as many as can possibly attend our next reunion on the 24th April 1999.