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The Naval Association

of Australia

REMEMBRANCE DAY 2007 - NATIONAL CEREMONY - AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL CANBERRA

Flys, flys and more flys marred the ceremony in Canberra this year. Swarming around all participants they were a nuisance to all who attended this otherwise well organised National commemoration of Remembrance Day. The Governor General MAJGEN Jeffreys and his wife were magnificent in their praise of the participants on the parade ground. In what might be his last appearance as Prime Minister, John Howard gave a rousing speech from the heart recognising all those who had fallen in all wars and conflicts.

The Chiefs of Navy, VADM Russ Shalders along with the Chiefs of Army and Air were all present including the Chief of Defence Force Air Chief Marshall Angus Houston.

It was a pleasure to speak with some old friends on the day including General Sir Phillip Bennett who I served with many years ago before he was knighted, became CGS and CDFS then Governor of Tasmania, finally retiring in Canberra.

Children from various schools representing the youth of Australia from every State and Territory (except SA) laid poppies on the Stone of Remembrance towards the end of the service. St. Hilda's Anglican Girls School, WA are shown in the photographs below.

Photos of the day are below, with the program directly beneath them.

© The Naval Association of Australia