Here is the next installment of tales about our travelling 15th Anniversary laundry bags. These are turning out way more meaningful than I had expected. Each bag is numbered and some of them I am not seeing for months as they are passed from one person to the next. It will exciting to see them all together at the Dinner this year!
Enjoy this week's installment!
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In 2011/12 when I started Aussie Hero Quilts I had no idea
that we had service personnel deployed to South Sudan as Peacekeepers. I
venture to suggest that the majority of the Australian public has no idea we
have people serving in South Sudan, let alone all the other countries where we
serve as peacekeepers. It wasn’t until a
bloke called Gus contacted me and asked if the contingent of Aussies in country
at that time could be included on our list. Since that day we have looked after
many Peacekeepers in South Sudan, a deployment which in many cases, has left a
lasting impression on those who served there.
These are the last photos of the current contingent of Aussies deployed
to South Sudan. I hope we will be
sending quilts and bags to South Sudan as long as we have Aussie Peacekeepers
serving there.
On the Eve of ANZAC Day I am pleased to be able to share
some more photos courtesy of COL Brandon Wood.
“Today I visited the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery at
Be’er Sheva, where the ANZAC Memorial Centre is also located. A few photos that
may be of interest in the lead up to ANZAC Day.”
ANZAC Day is a day of remembrance, a day to acknowledge all
those who served and those that are still serving, a day to reflect on the
sacrifices made for the safely of our country and its citizens.
As well as those who have gone before I will be thinking of
all of our Australian Defence Force members deployed overseas, probably in more
countries than many people realise. I will also be thinking also of their families
and friends back home. Their sacrifice should never be forgotten.
Lest We Forget.
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Congratulations to AHQ on your 15th year of supporting our
current and former ADF members. While I wasn’t there from the beginning, my
association over the past 12 years has been nothing short of incredible. Not
only for helping with my quilt requests, but also me witnessing the amazing
work your team does overall with all the recipients
Reflecting on the joy that AHQ brings with quilts and
laundry bags, I’m reminded of the one I presented to my old WWII mate, Keith.
It was so special, and he absolutely loved it.
Being asked to sign the 15-year laundry bag was an honour.
To make it even more special, I took it with me while visiting my son in Seoul,
South Korea. The photo was taken in front of the Korean War Memorial (their
version of our AWM, but dedicated to a single conflict). The station honouring
Australia’s contribution sits prominently beside the USA, recognising Australia
as one of the largest troop contributors to the war. It is a very special
place.
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Another special Anzac photo from Israel with one of our
traveling 15th Anniversary laundry bags…
“Hi Jan-Maree, a quick note and photo from the Australian
Embassy’s ANZAC Day service here on Israel today. Because of the ongoing
regional conflict the service was kept small, and held at Ramla British War
Cemetery where approximately 90 Australians who lost their lives during both
the First and Second World Wars are buried. The service was lovely and a
fitting commemoration of Australia and New Zealand’s long history of service in
Israel. The Australian Defence Attache, GPCAPT Janine Fetchik was kind enough
to join me in a photo with the AHQ 15th year commemorative laundry bag!”
Huge thanks to COL Brandon Wood and GPCAPT Janine Fetchik
for their support.
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Earlier this year one of our retired Military Working Dogs,
Harlo, asked her handler, also retired, to see if we could make a coat so she would
be able to march on Anzac Day proudly wearing her service medal. Or course we were only too delighted to do so.
Afterall, a veteran is a veteran whether they have two legs or four.
Just before Anzac Day Harlo came to collect her new coat. She was only too happy to model it for us.
On Saturday, after the march, she also sent us more photos
showing her proudly wearing her medal.
Thank you for your service Harlo (oh and her handler).
That is all for this week! I have a heap of great posts coming up and next week I intend to have a week of volunteers. Please don't forget to let me know if you would like to take part. Even if you don't like having your photo taken, be brave and join in, you will be sorry if you don't!
Till then, keep spreading the word and happy stitching!
Jan-Maree xx
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