The RLIRA
Reunion in Sydney
April 2007
These are my
immediate observations,
impressions
and comment
about the Rhodesian
Light Infantry
Regimental Association
(Australasian
Branch) re-union
before and during
the Anzac day
holiday in Sydney,
Australia 0n
Wednesday 25th
April 2007.
The dinner the
night before
the Anzac Day
parade and then
the Anzac Day
parade and following
get-together
enabled a magnificent
surge of comradeship
and renewal
of self-belief
and self-respect
in all that
we had stood
for as soldiers
in Rhodesia.
The massive
and enthusiastic
crowds watching
the march took
the RLI contingent
to their hearts
and enthusiastically
applauded our
Ouens. This,
in itself, was
a heart-warming
and encouraging
experience.
Many of my friends
and my (probably
much biased)
Rhodesian born
children said
spontaneously
after the march
that the RLI
contingent was
the smartest
of all the civilian
attired groups
on the three
hour long column
of veterans
and others on
the march. The
Ouens marched
with such obvious
pride and precision
that the effect
on the watchers
was palpable.
The reunion
was a significant
occasion for
the wives of
many who attended
because they
could see the
importance that
friendship and
mutual respect
forged in combat
have on teams
of men, and
also the significance
and importance
of the RLIRA
to maintain
that comradeship,
respect and
self-confidence.
The wives could
also forge a
special and
unique bond
between themselves
that will only
strengthen the
worth of the
Association
to all whom
are involved
in it and its
objectives.
All in all it
was a joyous
and memorable
event of much
vitality and
regeneration
of dormant regimental
spirit that
I expect will
long remain
in the memories
of those who
attended and
enjoyed the
camaraderie,
sense of team,
and unique ‘occasion’
of their short
time together.
The Saints forever!
Digger Essex-Clark
Click here
to watch a video
of the parade.
To download
the video please
right click
here
an click
on the save
as option.
Below are
some pictures
from the event.
Please click
on the pictures
to enlarge.
|
