RECENT celebrations to commemorate Karuah RSL sub-Branch’s formations 80 years ago were steeped in history, from the President’s address to the Vietnam War bayonet used to cut the cake.
On Saturday, 18 July, members of the Karuah RSL sub-Branch met to mark the formation of their sub-Branch as a part of RSL Australia.
Instead of their normal monthly meeting, the Karuah RSL members (consisting of current serving, returned servicemen and women, and Affiliate members) gathered at the Karuah & District RSL Club to commemorate this significant event.
The membership of the Karuah RSL sub-Branch is more than 100 strong, with its members coming from the Karuah district, Tea Gardens, and as far as Lemon Tree Passage.
Karuah RSL President Scott Beaumont addressed the members encapsulating how in 1916 the Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia was created (later to become RSL Australia) shortly followed by the creation of Legacy at the completion of the Great War to support the returned injured servicemen, widows, and their families.
Mr Beaumont delved into Karuah’s local history, highlighting how servicemen from Karuah and surrounding areas have served in every conflict from the Boer War to the present day conflicts.
He linked the history of the local servicemen to many of the donated artifacts that are on display in the Karuah RSL Club, starting with the bandolier of a local WWI Light Horseman who became a Camellier in the Middle East, to mentioning the wide range of weapons and other collectables in the Club.
The sub-Branch’s large collection of wartime memorabilia and complete uniforms dating back from WWII are on display in the main body of the club and always create interest amongst current members and visitors alike.
The commemorative cake was cut with a Vietnam War bayonet by Karuah RSL Club President Samantha Brock and RSL Life Member and Karuah Club Past President and sub-Branch Past President, Vietnam veteran Peter Fidden.
“Today we commemorate and pay our respects to all current and past members over the 80 years since our inception and now we look to the future to ensure this important work is continued as support to our members, families and local community,” Mr Beaumont said.
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