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The Anzac Day memorial service at Bermagui was a special occasion for Chelsea Nash, as not only was it a time to pay her respects to relatives who had served in the armed forces it was also the first service her two-week-old daughter Grace attended.
Three generations of her family attended the service; herself, her mother Jodie Nash of Akolele and daughters Ruby and Grace Black.
“It provides a bit of reflection about the lucky place we live in and the sacrifices people went through to provide that,” the Fairhaven resident said.
“It’s also a moment to think that people are still active in the services.”
Jodie, who’s great-grandfather served in both world wars, said the beach-side setting of the service at the town’s war memorial on a headland overlooking Horseshoe Bay made it reminiscent of Gallipoli.
“The beach really sets the scene, in an eerie sort of way!” she said.
Over 250 people attended the service, which started with a parade down Lamont St by members of the 7th Bemboka Light Horse Troop, veterans and pupils from the Bermagui Public School.
The address was given by Colonel Charles Vagi, who retired from the army after over 32 years but is still a colonel in the army reserve.
He said on every occasion the men and women of the Australian military were required to step up and serve in a conflict they did so with distinction alongside their New Zealand allies.
“The Anzac spirit and the values that it demonstrates remain our common bedrock, our creed, our source of hope and confidence to tackle the difficult and uncertain times and challenges which we continue to confront,” Colonel Vagi said.
One of the veterans at the service was Robin Weirman of Bermagui who was deployed to Vietnam three times from 1968-1971 in 32 small ships squadron for the first two times and 104 signal squadron the last time.
His unit was pulled out of the war in 1971 and he said returning soldiers were pelted with rotten tomatoes by members of the public when they arrived home – however he missed that experience as he was flown home as he had to go to hospital.
“It took 20 years for me to get over that and march,” Mr Weirman said.
“We didn’t do anything wrong; it was our job and we did what we were told.
“When they apologised I started to march.”
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