Honouring our servicemen
ROSS Cameron never saw the bloody conflicts of Vietnam but he almost got the call.
The New Zealand- born National Serviceman had his birthday come up in his country’s compulsory military service ballot in the early 1970s and as he was preparing to fight the war was declared over.
“It was terrifying to think about because it wasn’t a choice,” he said.
“It certainly was a place you wouldn’t want to go. But not having to go didn’t help the guys who died there.”
Mr Cameron has lived in Townsville for about 10 years. He joined the local National Servicemen’s Association in 2006.
He was among 150 people to mark National Servicemen’s Day yesterday with a memorial service at the National Service Memorial at National Servicemen’s Park in Rowes Bay.
“Nashos never used to get together until the 1900s,” he said.
“It’s very much a good thing for younger blokes like myself to get involved in.”
Australia has seen four periods of compulsory military service, with the last two schemes, 1951- 59 and 1964- 72, seeing tens of thousands of ‘ Nashos’ serve our nation.
Under the National Service Act 1951, all young men turning 18 on or after November 1, 1950 were required to register for the scheme. For more photos and other Defence news see Defenders on page 23.