Gulgong once again turned out in large numbers to commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice for Australia, as Anzac Park was again filled for the April 25 service.
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Veterans, family members, emergency service personnel, community groups, schools, and many members of the community, turned out to march, lay wreaths, and pay their respects.
In addition to remembering Australia’s fallen, special tribute was made for the role played by the Australian Merchant Navy – hence it was the Australian Red Ensign flag that flew over the ceremony.
Craig Holden of the Gulgong RSL Sub-Branch said they’re “the unsung heroes” whose service dates back to the Boer War and includes both World Wars, Malaya, Korea and Vietnam.
“The first person to be killed in World War I was a Merchant Navy Seaman, World War II was the same and the last person to be killed in World War II was a Merchant Navy Seaman when his ship was torpedoed three days after the end of the war,” he said.
“They were the first ones to put our soldiers on Anzac Cove on the beaches, but they were also the first ones our sick and wounded in row boats while the Turks were firing overhead.
“Nearly 5000 Allied ships were lost in World War II and nearly 63,000 Merchant Seamen were lost, 4000 wounded and 5000 were Prisoners of War – one in six lost their lives.”
The commemoration included the unveiling of a tribute to Edward “Teddy” Brophy, the only Gulgong resident to die while fighting in the Vietnam War 50 years ago this year.
His brothers Jim and Kevin did the hounours and Jim said, “we would like to thank the Gulgong RSL Sub-Branch for this tribute, it’s a serious surprise”.
He died during the Battle of Suoi Chau Pha on August 6, 1967, Phuoc Tuy Province, Vietnam.
In an extract from his commanding officer he was described as, “very intelligent, an extremely hard worker and overall excellent soldier, nothing was too much trouble for him and he conducted himself in an exemplary manner – he was an extremely fine young man that any family would be proud of”.
“Ted’s action the day he was killed was typical example of his character, he had a job to do and he was doing it regardless of the consequences to himself,” Jim said.