Honouring heroes: Nashos remembered in solemn ceremony

Crowds gathered solemnly at Rowes Bay, where National Servicemen veterans, widows, and families joined in a heartfelt tribute to honour 19 local Nashos who had passed away in the past year.

President of the National Servicemen’s Association of Australia (Qld) Inc Townsville and District Branch, Neville Hines. Picture: Natasha Emeck

North Queensland witnessed a touching gathering on Sunday as National Servicemen veterans and families came together to pay tribute to 19 comrades who recently passed away.

The solemn National Servicemen’s Memorial service at Rowes Bay drew a heartfelt crowd, united in honouring those who served and sacrificed.

From 1951 to 1972, over 287,000 Australian men heeded the nation’s call, undergoing mandatory training across the Navy, Army, and Air Force. Tragically, 212 lost their lives in active service in Borneo and Vietnam.

Neville Hines, president of the Townsville branch of the National Serviceman’s Association, said the memorial was also an important opportunity for them to remember 19 of their members who had passed away during the last 12 months.

At Rowes Bay, widows and family members lay poppies on their loved one’s plaques and receive their very own badges.

Widows lay poppies on their loved ones' plaques and receive badges at a Rowes Bay memorial paying tribute to National Servicemen who passed away in the last 12 months. Picture: Natasha Emeck

“We had 12 pass away here and yesterday I went up to Ingham, and they had five put on their memorial,” Mr Hines said.

“National Servicemen, all that’s left of them are mainly between the ages of 70 and 90 years old. So we’re a depleting population.

“Nineteen this year is the most we’ve had so far. And the way the ages are going, it’s sad to say I think it’s going to increase as the years go on.”

Mr Hines said that seeing big crowds turn out for their Sunday service was heartening.

“It’s wonderful the way they turn up, especially for all the military people to give up their day on Sunday to come down and celebrate with us and take part in the ceremony.” 

Originally published as Honouring heroes: Nashos remembered in solemn ceremony