The Flanders House morning tea following the Inverell Remembrance Day service saw a mix of men and women, girls and boys, sharing conversation and an awareness the day was special.
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Vietnam veteran Hans Mouthann felt the mix of generations was a key to preserving history.
“I think it’s very important we invite the schools here, and it’s up to us, that have served, to ensure that the legacy that was left behind, we encourage and I think it’s all good
Hans said upon his return from Vietnam, he did not march or attend Anzac Day services due to the level of animosity aimed at the veterans by members of the public.
“So, we’ve overcome all this, and it’s up to us not to ensure the younger generation recognises all the sacrifices made by all who have served.”
And it’s one of those things that we need to keep in our culture, because our culture is fractured – and I think it’s something that ties all people together.”
Stan Nicholas is a National Serviceman and shared company with his mate Kelvin Brown, a fellow serviceman. Now elderly, he might not be accepted into the service today, but his heart was still very willing.
If I was young again...I’d go and serve again.
- National Serviceman Stan Nicholas
“I had an uncle, who served in the First World War at age 14, and then he came back from the First World War uninjured, and then turned around and served in the Second World War and came back,” Stan said. “It’s a special day, in remembrance of the Australians and other countries that served wars, and today is special to me.
“If I was young again, and I mean no disrespect, because I’ve got high respect, I’d go and serve again, because at the moment, things aren’t too good.”
Kelvin agreed the day gave credence to those who served. His military career was generational as well.
His maternal grandfather was a Gallipoli veteran and fought with the ANZACS, his father was a World War II soldier who fought against Rommel and his uncle served three and a half years as a Prisoner of War at the notorious Changi Prison in Singapore.
“So I’m a third generation soldier,” he said, and showed a commemorative lapel pin which honoured Susan Felsche, the first female army casualty of operations since World War II.
“This is why we have Remembrance Day,” Kelvin said. “For people like her.”
Michèle Jedlicka
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