NATIONAL Servicemen’s Association delegates started the last day of their Queensland conference with a church service and dedication ceremony in Jubilee Park yesterday morning.
Commonly known as the Nashos, the association represents Australians who were recruited into the military via the National Service Scheme between 1951 and 1972.
A downpour during the service saw the congregation take shelter under gazebos and umbrellas but the catafalque party provided by the Jimboomba did not flinch although they were drenched by the time their duties were fulfilled.
The Nashos had been in town since Thursday and their president Alex Garlin said despite the rainy weather, the conference was one of the best he had attended.
“It took 15 months of planning to come to this and the planning committee has done a hell of a lot of work, especially Brian Buckby and his wife Robyn,” he said.
“I would like to thank all the Nashos who turned up for the conference and all the local people for their support.”
Mr Garlin said he and his wife had started the nominal roll for the Nashos 20 years ago.
“There are 90,000 names on that roll and people can see it at nashonomroll.org.
“You can find people by searching their name or service number.”
He said the Nashos were bound by a culture of brotherhood.
“Everyone who served in the Nashos is my brother and their wives are my sisters,” he said.
“On February 14 we will be holding a service to honour 22 brothers who lost their lives at Wacol or in CMF (citizens military force units) before they finished their training.
“They will be remembered with a plaque and a very big service at Wacol .”
Beaudesert Nashos president Ray Antcliff said the conference had been a success and thanked local supporters.
“They include Scenic Rim Regional Council, AJ Bush, Trilogy Accounting, Lahey & Walker and Beaudesert Buses,” he said.
“Delegates had a great time on the bus trip that took in a visit to SCT in Bromelton and the robotic farm with a tour of the Scenic Rim including Dugandan, Lake Moogerah and Kalbar.
“The ladies had a visit to Aquis farm on Saturday and had a wonderful time.”
The service included a dedication to the new National Servicemen’s memorial at Palm Gardens in Jubilee Park, with Mr Garland reciting the navy ode to the fallen and Jack Wiley from Woodhill playing the last post and reveille.
At the conclusion of the event conference delegates repaired to the Beaudesert RSL club to enjoy a final conference lunch together.
