President Update – 29 May

Dear Members,

This week is National Reconciliation Week 2020, which we would normally mark with the Indigenous Veterans’ Commemoration Service; a sombre, yet incredibly spiritual recognition of the service of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the Australian Defence Force.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have fought for Australia since the Boer War and continue to serve in all branches of the Defence Force.

Each year, during Reconciliation Week, the Indigenous Veterans’ Commemoration Service is held at the Anzac Memorial. Due to social distancing and restrictions on gatherings, this service did not take place this year. Instead, Uncle Harry Allie BEM has given a speech in recognition of this significant day as a tribute to our brave Indigenous veterans, past and present.

You can view his video message and a transcript on the RSL NSW website.

I look forward to joining Uncle Harry and other Indigenous veterans for the service once again in 2021.

Yours,

Ray James

Acting State President

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