Women march proud
ARMY SERVICE RECOGNISED
BETH Flanagan is one of thousands of women who left the life they knew to serve their country.
But many of these brave women have had mixed feelings about marching on commemorative days, including Anzac Day, because others have mistakenly assumed they are marching on behalf of their male relatives.
This year when Ms Flanagan, a former Australian Defence Force private, marched in Melbourne, she was full of pride and received the acknowledgment she deserved.
Many current and former ADF members have said they previously stopped marching in Anzac Day parades and Remembrance Day ceremonies after many civilians, and even some older veterans, questioned why they were wearing their medals on the “wrong side.”
This year Ms Flanagan marched with a “large contingent” of proud women who march as one under the banner “By the Left”.
“It’s like a sisterhood, we are there to help each other” Ms Flanagan said. “Especially with the younger ones who have served. Even though we didn’t go overseas, we still know what it is like to be in the services.”
Ms Flanagan joined the Women’s Royal Australian Army Corp as an 18-year-old in 1975. Women weren’t allowed to serve overseas and were only permitted to do jobs vacated by deployed men.
She was the first woman to serve at the Canungra land warfare base and was in the military for three years before leaving and working for a solicitor.
“It’s like a sisterhood, we are there to help each other.” BETH FLANAGAN
“At that time, if you were married or pregnant, you had to leave,” Ms Flanagan said.
But her commitment to the military continued. Ms Flanagan led cadets for 14 years and is now focused on ensuring the next generation of veterans has the support she did not.
“For us, the recognition that we did service makes us feel, yes I deserve this medal,” Ms Flanagan said.