Vic: Nashos march through Melbourne

AAP General News (Australia)
02-12-2006
Vic: Nashos march through Melbourne

MELBOURNE, Feb 12 AAP - Hundreds of former National Servicemen marched to Melbourne's
Shrine of Remembrance today in a tribute to fallen comrades.

Wearing blue jackets with blue berets, about 400 ex-servicemen who at one time were
conscripted for combat or for homeland defence, marched to the Shrine where wreaths were
laid in front of the eternal flame.

The ex-servicemen, known as "Nashos", were honoured in a speech by the Defence Force
chief, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston.

"We honour their courage, we honour their belief in their country, we honour their
self-commitment and we honour their sacrifice," he said.

"Nashos provided a vital and very real role."

This year marks the 55th anniversary of the first post-World War II conscription programs
with "Nashos" seeing action in Borneo, Cambodia, Malaysia and Vietnam.

Victorian State President of the National Servicemen's Association Douglas Black said
he was very proud of their commitment, "... and your country should be too".

During today's service, a member of the Australian Army in official attendance collapsed,
possibly due to the heat, but subsequently managed to walk to a shaded area.

The annual "Nashos" march through Melbourne is held on the second Sunday in February.

AAP xlc/it/de

KEYWORD: NASHOS

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