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President's Message
2012 is proving to be all encompassing with many new members, a new Corporate Member and the appointment of a Youth Officer in Bronwyn Galloway, a fresh graduate student from the ANU. Alicia Doherty has been appointed Communications Officer and Dawn Santelli our Membership Officer. We look forward to introducing these vibrant ladies to you.
Great work continues with Bill Mason as Chair of the Forum, Sue King as Events Manager and Peter Radtke as Ceremonial Officer. The latter two are in full swing with Coral Sea events.
On Thursday, 4 May 2012 we commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea and the National Commemoration Service has reached a pinnacle with a Presidential Representative coming from Washington DC to attend our Service (see article below).
The glittering Coral Sea Dinner on Saturday, 5 May 20121 (see article below) is one where all members will have an opportunity to meet our newly appointed and highly esteemed Patron, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston AC AFC (Ret'd) as he delivers the keynote speech.
An important connection was made with the Fulbright Commission when I attended the recent Presentation Dinner in Sydney. There were 24 winners announced by Federal Minister Chris Evans with three from Canberra - Andrew Blyth, Richard Blackwell and Celia Winnett. We are hoping that we will soon be able to introduce all three winners to our members.
I invite you to attend these exciting upcoming events to enjoy the camaraderie and interaction between the members and friends of our two great nations and look forward to seeing you soon.
- Bronwyn Halbisch, President
70th Anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea
- National Commemorative Service - Thursday, 3 May 2012
We were honoured to have Janet Nepolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security, attend the service and relay the following message from President Obama:
I send warm greetings to the people of Australia as we commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea.
Less than a year after the devastating attacks on Pearl Harbour and Malaya, the allied forces were faced with assaults across the Pacific Theatre. On May 7 and 8, 1942, against overwhelming odds, American and Australian forces stood united in the Coral Sea, delivering a victory that bouyed the spirits of free nations and marked an important milestone in the enduring partnership between the United States and Australia.
From military bases in Queensland to the naval armada arrayed across the Coral Sea, the forces serving our two nations performed their duties admirably, demonstrating the courage and resolve that would lead our men and women to victory. This battle also laid the groundwork for an alliance between the United States and Australia that was later formalized throught the signing of the ANZUS Treaty in 1951. After seven decades, we remain united in our purpose to preserve freedom, maintain stability and promote lasting peace.
On this occassion, we reaffirm the strong bond between our nations and honor the selfless devotion of the American and Australian service members who bravely fought in that battle 70 years ago. We will never forget their sacrifice and we will always honor the legacy of those who fought to keep us free.
Dated 30 April, 2012.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard also provided a 70th anniversary message which was read by her representative, The Hon Mike Kelley, AM, MP.
- Raytheon Coral Sea Dinner - Saturday, 5 May 2012
Photos comming soon...
Raffle Winners for the 2012 Raytheon CORAL SEA DINNER RAFFLE Announced:
Permit No. ACT R 12/00093
- 1st Prize: P McNeil
- 2nd Prize: S Kaine
- 3rd Prize: J Gordon
- 4th Prize: R Swanson
- 5th Prize: I & S Gollings
- 6th Prize: K Kalavo