180 People Attend the 2017 Annual Pilgrimage to the AFC Memorial
On a beautiful Spring Sunday, the 19th November 2017, around 180 people made the Annual Pilgrimage to the AFC Memorial RAAF Williams Point Cook to witness the unveiling of the Commemorative Plaque and remember those who served and those who serve.On a beautiful Spring Sunday, the 19th November 2017, around 180 people made the Annual Pilgrimage to the AFC Memorial RAAF Williams Point Cook to witness the unveiling of the Commemorative Plaque and remember those who served and those who serve.
In keeping with previous ceremonies, the commemoration was shared with the National Servicemen’s Association.
This year also saw the unveiling of a Commemorative Plaque advising visitors of the two capsules that have been interred in the monument containing the names of the Fallen.
After an aerobatic display by Squadron Leader Glen Coy in a Harvard aircraft, Master of Ceremonies, Mr Laurie Bell, Air Force Association (Victoria)’s ATC/AAFC Branch President, conducted the order of service:
- Raising of the Australian flag
- Catafalque Party mounted guard
- Message of Welcome: Group Captain Carl Schiller OAM CSM (Retd), President Air Force Association (Victoria) and President No2 Squadron Association
- Guest Speaker: Air Commodore Geoffrey Harland AM CSC DSM, Senior Air Force Officer Victoria and Commander Air Force Training Group
- Unveiling of Commemorative Plaque that advises visitors of the two capsules with the names of the Fallen that have been interred in the monument. The plaque was unveiled by Air Commodore Geoffrey Harland AM CSC DSM and Group Captain Carl Schiller OAM CSM (Retd).
- “In Honour” address: Mr David Anderson, Vice-President, National Servicemen’s Association (Victoria)
- Prayer of Thanks led by Squadron Leader (Chaplain) Keith Lanyon (Retd)
- Lament – ‘Flowers of the Forest’ played by piper, Mr Les Kenfield
- Lowering of the National Flags to Half MastOde of Remembrance: Wing Commander Daryll Topp
- The Last Post
- Raising of National Flags
- Wreaths laid
- Singing of National Anthem
- Catafalque Party dismounted
- Fly past by Winjeels, CT4s and Harvard aircraft (courtesy RAAF Museum)
After the official ceremony, a light lunch and beverages were served at the former Officers’ Mess at RAAF Williams Point Cook.
At the lunch, Group Captain Schiller presented Wing Commander Nigel Leurs, the outgoing Commanding Officer No 21 (City of Melbourne) Squadron, with a framed picture of a Spitfire fighter in recognition of his outstanding support for the Air Force Association (Victoria).
Approximately 180 guests attended this year’s Pilgrimage representing:
- Air Force Association (Victoria) and many of its Branches
- National Servicemen’s Association (Victoria) and a number of its Branches
- Air Force Training Group
- No21 (City of Melbourne) Squadron
- Air Force Band
- RAAF Museum
- No4 Wing (AAFC)
In addition to representatives and members of the official organisations, spouses, partners, children and grandchildren also attended what was a wonderful and thoughtful day at RAAF Williams Point Cook.