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The
bugler waits to play the last post during the National Naval
Reunion March and Memorial Day.
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Photo:
ABPH Yuri Ramsey
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By
Graham Davis
The
Navy “family” gathered on the streets of Sydney on August 7 as
the culmination of the National Naval Reunion 2004.
Three thousand family members, those still serving in the RAN,
those who previously served and the sailors of the future, the
Australian Navy Cadets, marched proudly through the city.
Other family members, the wives, husbands, parents, children,
grand children and even great grandchildren, many waving Australian
flags and cheering, watched from the footpath.
The marching sailors were formally acknowledged by a snappy salute
from the reviewing officer, the Chief of Navy, VADM Chris Ritchie,
from a position the steps of the Sydney Town Hall.
“There are some who don’t believe their RAN service has been recognised
the past.
Today’s march is one way of doing that,” VADM Ritchie told Navy
News. “It is a good turnout..a good day,” he added.
The reunion began on August 1 and concluded on August 8, bringing
together not only sailors from Australia but also members of navies
from the US, Canada, New Zealand, Great Britain and France.
The city march on August 7 was the highlight of the reunion for
many. Braving nine-degree temperatures the participants gathered
in streets off Martin Place for the 9am step off.
The RAN Band led with RADM Guy Griffiths as the lead marcher.
An honour guard made up of HMAS Kuttabul sailors followed then
a well turned out unit made up of Kuttabul and FIMA/Sydney personnel.
They were followed by more than 100 Australian Naval Cadets representing
all training ships in Sydney and the Central Coast.
The Waverley Boys Brigade Band led the WRANS and the Naval Association
followed by the Naval Reserve Association, HMAS Australia Association
and the Shoalhaven Association.
The ANZAC, Canberra-Shropshire, Vendetta, and Sydney associations’
veterans were there along with the Association of Wrens, the Royal
Naval Association, the HMAS Hobart, Royal Marines and the Clearance
Diving Associations.
The parade swung left into Bathurst Street to conclude in Hyde
Park South.
The marchers and their family members and friends then gathered
around the Shrine of Remembrance and the Pool of Remembrance for
a Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance.
Principal Chaplains Gareth Clayton and Simon Hubbard and Senior
Chaplain Richard Thompson conducted the 30 minute service. In
a prayer for families, SCHAP Thompson extolled, “never take for
granted those we love.”
After the Ode, Last Post and Reveille the 3000 people present
recited the Naval Prayer, before ABMUSN Jen Monk led them in the
Naval Hymn.
Many of those present headed for individual reunion locations
before regathering that night at Wharf 8 for the Sunset presentation
by the RAN Band.
