RESPECT will be paid to the unsung heroes of major world conflicts during Merchant Mariners Day at Greenbank RSL on August 31.
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This will be the 10th year Greenbank RSL has paid tribute to merchant mariners with a service at the Memorial Gardens.
The ceremony will begin at 10.30am and will conclude with light refreshments at Greenbank RSL.
Greenbank RSL Sub Branch board member and Naval Association president Michael Brophy joined the Navy in 1963 and served in Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines and other parts of the world during his nine years of service.
Mr Brophy said Merchant Mariners have served a vital role in the past and present.
"It is important to commemorate the merchant mariners as they were an unseen force," he said.
"They did a lot during the two world wars and kept the armies and navy forces going.
"Without merchant mariners there would have been no success in the outcomes of the wars."
Mr Brophy said he wanted to rally support behind merchant mariners for their contribution to the world.
"In the United Kingdom it is a big thing but in Australia they are not recognised as much as other forces," he said.
"Merchant mariners in the UK keep the country going but in Australia we don't rely on them so much."
Former merchant seaman Robert Wilson will deliver the main address while Mr Brophy will open the ceremony and recite the naval ode.
