Community & Business
8 May, 2024
Remembering appreciated
National Service Association Stanthorpe closing
Desmond (Des) Fossey might be hanging up his Secretary hat of the National Service Association in Stanthorpe but reflects that "the camaraderie will continue".
Speaking with The Town & Country Journal on April 25 and in the week that followed, the local veteran said the association, for which he has also been President, is officially closing seeing "the members are now aged between 80 and 90".
Members of the association described Mr Fossey as "the driving force in keeping the association going in Stanthorpe".
"There's not many of us left," he said, reflecting on current realities. "(And) on ANZAC Day there were people away or sick but we managed to enjoy a nice lunch together."
Mr Fossey said the first scheme of the service was between 1951 and 1959, in Korea and Borneo, while the second, from 1965 to 1972, was for Vietnam. There were approximately 297,000 called for service in these schemes, and Mr Fossey was 19 when he joined, remarking that it was "the best time" of his life, serving in the 25th battalion of the Darling Downs Regiment.
The local association for national service began in 2000, with 17 members, he confirmed.
Not within one of the jeeps of the recent parade but comfortable in the RSL's vehicle, Mr Fossey said that seeing families, and especially students march is appreciated.
"Let the children march," he said. "Marching with schools is a very good idea."
