40th Anniversary Commemoration Activities 12-16 May 2008
At the 'AGM' May, I reminded the reunion group of our initial plans for the 40th Anniversary to be held in Townsville and that since then we have had to make several compromises to fit in with;
the desire of other Coral/Balmoral history stake holders to promote a "bigger picture" Anniversary,
the Army's very high work load tempo (1st Bn in particular), and of course,
the dollars on offer from DVA.
The 'bigger picture' refers to the desire to attract wider TV/Radio and Newspaper Press cover to bring the significance of the Battle of Coral/Balmoral to the wider community.
Hence the focus on Canberra to get this.
The 40th Anniversary is seen as the best last opportunity to get the "Coral/Balmoral" story out into the general public which is why they have focussed the Main Official Ceremony on the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial on the 13th May and hopefully a Prime Minister's Reception at Parliament House on the 12th. This will then be followed by separate Ceremonies and Dinners for the Task Force Units including 12 Fd Regt, 1 and 3 Battalion.
We are still awaiting the final DVA decision on funding, but the program below should be what you can expect to happen. We will advise you separately on the outcomes of the funding and final program.
The Combined Program in May 2008 in outline.
Mon 12th pm Prime Minister's Reception.
Tue 13th am Combined Commemorative Memorial Service, Vietnam Memorial
The major Unit Programs in outline are:
12 Fd Regt Coral/Balmoral and "Other Corps" in Canberra.
Wed 13th pm AWM Artillery Plague laying and Commemorative Dinner for 12 Fd Regt.
And "Other Corps" Commemorative Lunch / Dinner
Thu 14th am Special Commemorative Artillery Service
3 RAR Balmoral Group in Canberra
23-25th Commemorative Service, Commemorative Dinner and Coy gatherings
1 RAR Coral Group in Townsville
14th pm Mayoral Reception
15th am/pm Commemorative Parade & Dedication of 1 Bn Memorial ('69), Coy gatherings.
16th am/pm Dawn Service, Commemorative Dinner
As soon as we get confirmation of what funding has been agreed to by DVA, you will be advised of the Detailed Program of activities and asked to Complete the Formal Registration Form confirming your plans to attend.
I appreciate a lot of you want to book ahead early for Airlines and Accommodation but this is all the info I can give you for now.