Indigenous link honoured

Australia’s indigenous Service men and women were honoured at a memorial service in Canberra earlier this month.

As part of a national calender of events celebrating NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day of Celebrations) Week 2004, the service was held at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Memorial at Campbell.

Chaplain AIRCDRE Royce Thompson conducted the ceremony and noted in his opening address “the positive increase in the number of those attending the service this year.”

Head of Defence Personnel Executive, Rear Admiral Brian Adams hosted the event that was attended by over 80 people including the Director of the Australian War Memorial and representatives for each of the Service Chiefs.

RADM Adams reflected on the importance of the commemoration and said: “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have made a significant contribution to the defence of Australia.

“This is a way to recognise that contribution.” Ex-RAN submariner David Williams was the guest speaker highlighting the importance of acknowledging the contribution indigenous Australians have made to the nation’s history.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have fought alongside nonindigenous Australians in all conflicts and campaigns from the Boer War to present day,” Mr Williams said.

Figures suggest the total number of indigenous servicemen lies somewhere between 2,000-3,000 but Mr Williams contends that theres certainly “a lot more than those on record”.

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