A speech to make you 'tear up'
I had the privilege and honour of attending the Bowral Vietnam Veterans memorial service on August 18 as a guest with my wife Mary. I acknowledge the SHVVPA president Phillip Moscatt along with Mittagong RSL Sub-branch president Steven Spence and many others in organising such a wonderful service followed by a luncheon and refreshments. I also, in no special order, compliment Pipe Major Chris Tabram with his pipe and drum contingent, The Catafalque party from 4/3 RNSW, Bugler Alida Hamlin from Chevalier College and all the other speakers on the day.
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At such a wonderful service it's hard to single out certain persons or groups, however, it would be remiss of me if I did not place on record the most moving address by the two school captains from Bowral High School Lydia Kirby and Jonathan Santoso. These young Year 12 students spoke from the heart, articulating what all Vietnam Veterans were thinking, feeling and wanting to hear, they delivered their speech with emotion, dignity, solemnity and great reverence.
It made us aged Veterans tear up, something I try not to do unless I am in the presence of the most wonderful Psychologist Barbara Kirby (Bowral) when I am having therapy relating to my war/life experiences, however there was no doubt I was in need of a couple of handkerchiefs. I have attended over 100 military services since retirement from the army where secondary school students have spoken with enormous grace but Lydia and Jonathan were the best by a country mile. Also attending were Vice Captains Rebecca Riseska and my new little mate Warick Lake. You all demonstrated maturity and a sense of decency beyond your years.
All Vietnam Veterans on the day salute you, it goes without saying how proud your principal Jason Conroy and other staff must be, to quote Mr Conroy "It is such a privilege to be the principal of such a great school." I look forward to your promise of an invitation to graduation!
In conclusion, as was witnessed at the function at the RSL from "Baggy Arse to Brigadier", we are all equal and the next person that refers to himself as "only" a National Servicemen or Conscript, I will personally uppercut. I say to all Vets reading this, stand tall, stand proud, feel for the collar with your neck as we when facing death, and in the face of enemy fire from machine guns and rockets, advanced knowing that the next second you could be killed, wounded or worse your mate could be killed or wounded. Nothing will ever forge camaraderie such as battle and fear put together. Look in the mirror Soldier, Sailor and Airman, remember how young and bloody good we were and be forever mindful "We will never be this young again, Lest we forget."
Ken Wright JP
Warrant Officer Class One (RET)
Regimental Sergeant Major (RET)
Ex 5RAR Vietnam
Ex 7RAR Vietnam
Praise for development
After looking at the four storey 'eyesore' opposite the Mittagong Railway Station for the past decade, it is now pleasing to see that this development is finally getting finished. It is mainly residential by its looks and the developer who took it on, needs to be commended for such a visual improvement for a development that was approved by the council.
