President’s Report 2000
How quickly the year has slipped by since I made my last report to the Newsletter. These days life in general seems to have sped up and time rushes by. As children it seemed so long between birthdays, but no longer so – they come and go so fast!
During the celebrations of the new millennium much attention was given to the events of past years. Whilst there were heroic and good things to remember there were also many reminders of the loss of life and the misery in the world due to wars. I hope future generations will be wiser in their administration of world affairs and come to more peaceful solutions of world problems.
I am eagerly looking forward to catching up with you all again at our reunion on 24th April and to those who are unable to attend because of poor health I send you my very best wishes and assure you we will be thinking of our absent friends on that day. This year marks a special milestone for most of us as it is 60 years on July 6th since the 2/3rd Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment was formed at the Werribee racecourse.
As I write these notes I clearly remember passing through the gates for the first time as a very raw soldier in my rough ill-fitting uniform. It was a time to embark on new experiences and also a time one formed long lasting friendships.
The main event I attended after Anzac Day last year was the “Battle for Australia” commemoration service at the Shrine of Remembrance. Its purpose was to honour the courage, sacrifice and service of the men and the women who repulsed the Japanese attack on Australian territory.
It was a very impressive ceremony with addresses by the Victorian Governor and diplomats from New Guinea and the United States. Following this, representatives from most of Victoria’s Secondary Schools laid floral tributes at the Cenotaph.
Later at the luncheon, an ex-Naval officer told vividly of first-hand experiences in the great Coral Sea and Midway battles. This particular commemoration service was a first for Victoria and is now a permanent feature on the calendar of annual events at the Shrine. It was well organised – there were plenty of chairs provided, and I suggest that if you would like to attend in September this year and are unsure of the details, contact John Campbell in August.
Finally, my thanks to our helpful and hard working Committee, and to all who assisted in the production of “Take Post”.