Navy reunion could attract big numbers

By Graham Davis

A chance meeting between two Korean War naval veterans at the Redfern RSL Club 18 months ago could now result in one of the largest re-unions Australia has ever seen.

“I’m hoping to see 100,000 sailors from around the world, attend,” chairman of the organising committee for Naval Re-Union 2004, Mr Ray Garlin, said.

The re-union is set for August 1 to 8 and will centre on Wharf 8 at Darling Harbour.

“I’m hopeful some ships of the US Seventh Fleet will come to Sydney during the reunion,” Ray, a 76-year-old grandfather, former RAN sailor and more recently a successful debt collector, said.

The genesis of this huge reunion took place in the Redfern RSL Club when some veterans from the aircraft carrier, HMAS Vengeance held a small reunion.

A small committee was formed to make the arrangements.

The US, UK, Canadian and New Zealand embassies have been contacted for help.

Harvey World Travel has opened 1800 numbers in several countries to help with bookings.

Parramatta Leagues Club will conduct a concert for the veterans.

In June a “road train” will travel across much of Australia promoting the reunion.

Full details for the re-union were to be released during a Fleet Base East press conference on February 22.
Website: www.nationalnavalreunion2004.org.au

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