NASHOS call to service commemorated | Photos

National servicemen from near and far came to the service with their families which commenced with an opening address by Brigadier (Rtd) Neil Weekes AM MC (patron) who said the commemoration service was a “very special occasion” to remember the 287,000 fine young men from all walks of life who were called up for service to our country in the Navy, Army and Air Force in two schemes between 1951 and 1972.

National Service reinstated conscription in two schemes between 1951 and 1972.  The first between 1951 and 1959 was because of the Korean War and the second between 1965 and 1972 for the wars in Borneo and Vietnam.

He said of that number, 212 paid the supreme sacrifice while on active service - two in Borneo and 210 in Vietnam.

“It’s a high price to pay when you didn’t volunteer, but I think most of those that answered the call benefited in the long-term from their national service,” he said.

“Based on the values and skills we gained from our service it may be something that the country needs to go back to and blend with community service.

“All we cared about when we did our service was that our colleagues could do their job; race; religion and occupation didn’t matter as long as we did our job well, and we did it bloody well.”

NASHOS Townsville and District Branch Chaplain Archdeacon John Emerson conducted the service and joked that he’d rung branch president Warren Hegarty earlier in the week due to concerns about the rain.

“I think he must of been on his knees praying for clear skies all week, as we couldn’t have asked for better conditions,” he said.

He said it’s now been close to two decades since the first Townsville service and that the national servicemen need each other now just as much as they did 60 years ago.

“We need to check up on each other, and look after our friends,” he said.

“Our job as fellow NASHOS is to make sure that we have comfort and peace for the rest of our lives.” 

During the Act of Remembrance family members of the fallen placed poppies on the memorial plaque in memory of their loved ones after which community and defence force -associated members placed wreaths, flowers and books on the central National Servicemen memorial.

The service concluded with Corporal James Duquemin of the 1RAR Band giving a stirring note perfect delivery of "Last Post and "Rouse" after which the assembled crowd headed over to the Townsville RSL for lunch.

The memorial plaque which was erected at Rowes Bay a decade ago today has an inscription that reads:

‘They Served Australia

This memorial is dedicated to the 287,000 young men that served in National Service schemes between 1951 and 1972.

These young men came from all walks of life and served in the Army, Navy and Air Force.

212 of these young men were killed and 1497 were wounded during overseas service.

Lest We Forget.’

The National Servicemen’s Association's objectives are to promote the health and welfare of National Servicemen; to represent National Servicemen to Government, the community and the media; to record the history of National Service and its role in Australia's defence effort; to provide a National Servicemen's perspective on defence and community issues; to build and maintain Memorials to National Servicemen who died on active service and those who have died since; to participate in community, Armed Services and NSAA commemorations and parades; to promote educational programs about National Service in schools and in the community and to promote social interaction between National Servicemen and with the wider defence general communities.

The Association's welfare programs include visits to sick members; information on issues such as health and welfare benefits; information about retirement homes, financial planning and funerals; general information through publications such as 'Nashos News' on issues of interest to National Servicemen and promotion of a wide range of social activities.