AMONG four years of commemorations around the centenary of World War I battles, Tamworth’s World War II veterans and supporters have paus- ed to remember Victory in the Pacific Day.
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August 15, 1945, marked the end of hostilities with Japan, with the official surrender document signed on September 2, and this year Tamworth held special service in remembrance.
Tamworth RSL Sub-branch president Bob Chapman said he was pleased more than 150 people turned up to show their support and remember the veterans’ service.
Wreathlayers paid floral tribute to those who served on behalf of the Korean War veterans, Vietnam War veterans, National Servicemen’s Association, ex-servicewomen, War Widows Social Group and ex-prisoners-of-war, with four World War II veterans paying tribute to the fallen of the army, navy and air force.
Calrossy Anglican School students represented all Tamworth schools and the Australian Defence Force Basic Flying Training School’s commanding officer, Wing Commander Michael Que Hee, member for New England Barnaby Joyce, member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson and Tamworth Regional Council mayor Col Murray were also among the wreath layers.
Calrossy Anglican School student Timothy Mathew presented the keynote address.
“He spoke about Victory in the Pacific and related it to the fact that, over the years, all these wars were one of the reasons why his family ended up here, from India, and settled in Australia,” Mr Chapman said.
“He gave a great speech.”
Mr Chapman said it was important to hold this service in light of the World War I commemorations happening be- between 2014 and 2018.
“Because of all the hype around commemorating 100 years of World War I right through until 2018, we thought it was fitting to remember the commitment of our World War II guys and girls and mark the 70th anniversary,” he said.
“One of the special moments was the two navy blokes (WWII veterans) helping each other and I thought, old mates are still helping mates 70 years on. We were pleased with the patronage of the Tamworth people. It was nice to see the young defence force personnel from the ADF Basic Flying Training School turn up for the service on their weekend off.”
Mr Chapman said the service attracted the elder veterans and supporters, as well as the young.
“We also had a young lass who replaced Margaret Morse on the bugle and did a wonderful job because Margaret wasn’t available,” he said.
“There was a mixture of older people, whether veterans or service people or not, and young people chiming in and that really made the day.”
The next major commemoration will be Remembrance Day on November 11.
