Defence

Cover story

We will remember them...

"They are precious to us - they will never be forgotten."

Lest we forget.

Karlene Sargent and Harry Baxter reflect on the Sea King tragedy of 2 April 2005.

Standing guard and Remembrance Ceremony in front of the RAAF Hercules returning the deceased. Photo by LAC Allan Cooper

Repatriation Ceremony held at Sydney airport. Photo by LAC Guy Young

Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, bestowed the Medal of Valour. Photo by LAC Guy Young

AB Paul Berry signs the condolence book. Photo by AB David McMahon

Ceremony held at Blamey square in Canberra. Photo by SGT Mark Dowling

Memorial Service held at the Great Hall Parliament House. Photo by Steve Dent

At 1100 on Friday 15 April, Defence sites around the country paused to remember the nine servicemen and women lost in the tragic crash of Navy Sea King SHARK 02 at Nias, Indonesia on 2 April 2005. A National Service of Thanksgiving - one of many memorial services conducted across the country in the aftermath of the accident - was held in the Great Hall of Parliament House on 15 April.

In the packed Great Hall, the air thick with emotion, we stood as one, in silent tribute to the nine ADF members killed while serving our country.

Many words followed, but even the speakers acknowledged the inadequacy of those words in the face of such tragedy and sorrow.

"They were doing good deeds in the name of Australia and that of course is what is so heartbreaking about the event that we mark today". Prime Minister, John Howard's words to those gathered in the Great Hall of Parliament House for the National Service of Thanksgiving said it all.

"They epitomised everything about our way of life that we believe in and we treasure their commitment, their decency, their love, their compassion, their cheekiness, their cheerfulness, all of those things that are so beautifully Australian", the Prime Minister said in his tribute message.

"The example of these young men and women is the most reassuring message and resonance that we can have, that the soul and character of modern Australia is good and decent.

"They died doing something that they wanted to do. They believed in it, they thrived on it, they did it well and they did us proud as they did it", he said.

His Excellency Mr Imron Cotan, the Indonesian Ambassador in Australia, echoed his own President's offer of condolences and support. "Together we mourn the loss of these loved ones. The men and women of Indonesia salute the bravery of these men and women. Indonesia will always remember Australia's generosity and sacrifice," he said.

There was also high praise for the reflection, in the 11 accident victims, of the spirit of all members of the Australian Defence Force. Leader of the Opposition, Mr Kim Beazley, highlighted their preparedness to serve and their demonstration of "courage, resourcefulness, stoicism and compassion".

"The nine we honour today are the embodiment of the Anzac spirit", he said.

Condolence books in Defence sites across the country and online reflect exactly that sentiment. For many a sense of pain and loss is at the heart of their reaction to this tragedy; for others it's the sense of intense pride and recognition of service and sacrifice in our nation's name that they will remember.

The Right Reverend Tom Frame, who led the Thanksgiving service, said our role in humanitarian relief, such as the recent effort in Indonesia, showed that Australia is prepared to be a good neighbour in our region, and a good citizen in our world.

In an historic gesture and clear mark of respect, Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, awarded the Indonesian Humanitarian Service Medal to each of the nine deceased ADF members at the repatriation ceremony held at Sydney International Airport on 5 April. Leading Aircraftman Scott Nichols and Leading Seaman Shane Warburton will be presented their medals at a later date.

The Australian Government has announced that formal recognition will be given to those Australians who provided emergency humanitarian assistance in the wake of the Boxing Day tsunami and the Nias earthquake. The Queen has approved an extension of the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal to enable recognition of the humanitarian services provided to the peoples of Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Those who were deployed as part of the Australian contribution to the affected regions and who meet the requisite eligibility requirements of service will qualify for the award. The medal may also be awarded posthumously to the families of those killed in providing humanitarian services.

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