South Australian branch of the National Servicemen’s Association Open Day
REMEMBER OUR SERVICE – WE WERE NASHO’S
On the 6th August 1951, some 70 years ago a number of buses drove into the Woodside Army Camp loaded with young 18 year old men who had been conscripted into the Defence Force to be trained as soldiers as the Korean war continued to bring fear to the world. Most of them were excited, some frightened. Some mothers cried as their young sons left the nest.
Between 1951 – 1959 there were 52 intakes across Australia, where some 227,000 young men put on the khaki uniform for their three month basic training, others served in both the Navy & Airforce to complete their commitment..
To commemorate this piece of Australian military history, the South Australian branch of the National Servicemen’s Association intend holding an open day at our state headquarters in Surrey Road Keswick on Friday 6th August this year, between 11am and 2 pm. Seventy years after it all started.
We invite all and any ex National Servicemen , ex service members & our many friends to come along & be part of the day and especially to inspect the wonderful memorial that we have spent the last 5 years developing in the memory of the 212 young National Servicemen who gave their lives in Borneo & Vietnam in the second National Service scheme, the ’Birthday ballot’ that followed on.
Working with the City of West Torrens we achieved our objective with this memorial. A paved walkway, memorial stone, rose gardens a Ferret Scout Car & seating costing some $70,000 has now been completed.
On the day you will be entertained by the SA Pipes & Drums, be able talk with the children from the Richmond Primary school who have their own ‘Children’s Garden’ incorporated in the memorial and catch up ( hopefully) with friends from the past.
Lunch & refreshments will be supplied from 1pm after a few formalities with donations to legacy as the only cost.
For catering purposes PLEASE register with us at NSAASA@adam.com.au , phone 08 82936344 on any Friday or contact one of the executives;
Barry Presgrave. President 0412066657
John Thorne. Vice president 0408591658
Marlene Blackmore. Secretary 0417841917
Barry Presgrave. OAM