World War II dealt a devastating blow to the Narrabri Shire community as much as every other district, village, town and city in Australia.
Many local people responded to the call to serve, and many paid the ultimate sacrifice or returned home injured.
Families still mourn fathers, grandfathers and uncles who were killed in war. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
The memories of the Vietnam War also linger for the thousands of Australians who served in the conflict between 1962 and 1972.
Narrabri RSL sub-branch ensured that the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the tribute to Vietnam War veterans would not pass unrecognised.
RSL sub-branch president Gary Mason OAM delivered an oration on Victory in the Pacific at a commemoration held at the Narrabri War Memorial on Monday morning.
Sub-branch honorary secretary Louisa Burns delivered an oration on the Vietnam War.
Narrabri Shire Council was represented by Cr Jocellin Jansson who delivered the prayer ‘Let Us Make Commemoration of the Fallen’.
This was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial.
Local students placed wreaths at the memorial and were joined by sub-branch officials in laying floral tributes in honour of those who have served in all conflicts.
Narrabri Public School captains Rigby Richards and Evie McManus addressed the gathering about the participation and sacrifices made by Australian service personnel in the Vietnam War.
Heidi Stuart, Narrabri West Public School, recited the Prayer for the Nation while Braxton Templeman, also Narrabri West Public School, recited the Prayer of Thanksgiving.
Following the wreath laying, orations and prayers, a moment’s silence was held in memory of those who paid the supreme sacrifice and those who have since passed.
This was followed by the Last Post and the Ode of Remembrance.
The end of the Second World War, known as Victory in the Pacific Day in Australia or Victory over Japan Day in other locations, is officially commemorated annually on August 15, the date the Japanese announced their surrender in 1945.
Vietnam Veterans’ Day is officially marked on August 18, the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan in 1966.
In Narrabri, a joint commemoration honours both conflicts with returned service people, family members, students and locals paying tribute to service and sacrifice.
COMMEMORATION: Brian Bowman, Ross Lampe, Harvey Black, John Bell, Bill Pownall, Steve Flak, David Peate, Warren Peate, Michael Peterson, Boyce Alexander and John Hollman. Photos: Genevieve Maunder
