26 June 2010
The Choir along with the RMC Band under the watchful eye of Major Geoff Grey CSM and Lance Piper Geoff See of the Australian Federal Police Canberra City Pipers and Drums provided musical support for this Commemorative ceremony.
The Western Courtyard was a shade on the cool side for the event, about 12 degrees, but there was a wind chill factor in play. However the hearty ARC troop of 19 looked splendid in their blue spray jackets. I think we all had at least one thermal vest underneath our sturdy plastic blues.
Colonel Joe Johnson welcomed all to this wreath laying ceremony and read a letter from the Governor General Ms Quentin Bryce AC who is also Patron of the Reserve Forces Council. He also noted that the Chief of the Defence Force and the three Service Chiefs were all at the Richmond RAAF base for the arrival of the three members of 2nd Commando Regiment who were killed in the Black hack crash last week. He also pointed out that earlier that in the month that the two, 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment, soldiers had died from improvised explosive devices. Colonel Joe said that both soldiers had commenced their careers as Reservists.
Senator Kate Lundy read the Prime Minister Ms Julia Gillard's message of support for all Reservists and families.
Rear Admiral Ken Doolan spoke very strongly about the Reservists value and contribution to Australia particularly in overseas operations. He highlighted the Australian Navy Militia activities at the commencement of the first World War in the capture of German New Guinea through to Gulf War 1 duties in supplying medical staff and RAN Ships Company in Operational waters.
Pastor Wayne Lyons brought not only a prayerful moment to the occasion but also the parting of the clouds and the some sunshine.