Community & Business
7 February, 2025
Nashos memorial service
A MEMORIAL service will be held at Tolga on Saturday to mark National Servicemen’s Day.
The day, which is officially observed on 14 February each year, commemorates the service of men who undertook compulsory military training, during the National Service schemes that operated in Australia between 1951 and 1972; marking the day when conscripted draftees last marched out of their barracks in 1974.
The Tablelands memorial service will be held at the Tolga Salvos Church on Saturday 8 February at 1.30pm.
Veterans to be recognised at the ceremony include former Tumoulin potato farmer Robert (Bob) Chester, Allan Lambourne, Atherton, indigenous veteran Henry Williams, Cairns and RAAF veteran, John Hammond, from Mareeba.
Supporter member Betty McQueen formerly of Atherton and Mossman will also be recognised. Her husband Boyd set up the three FNQ Nasho branches in 2001.
Social Committee member Nicole Smith, Tolga will be a recipient of a Meritorious Service Award for her dedicated service as a supporter member assisting as a tour guide with fundraising WWII history tours.
Families of the former soldiers will be present to be part of the dedication. They will pay their respects by placing a poppy on a family plaque manufactured in their honour. The plaques will then be permanently erected on a Memorial Wall in the Nasho shelter at Rocky Creek War Memorial Park.
Guest speaker will be Vietnam veteran LTCOL Kel Ryan (Retd).
Afternoon tea will be served following the ceremony. Former Nashos including Alternative Nashos who served for six years in the local CMF units are welcome to attend the service at 1.30pm.
