Because I haven't been able to drive for a couple of weeks I dragged my chauffeur Mr GeniAus off to a talk at our
local library in Hornsby this morning.
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| Hornsby Local Studies Librarian, Neil Chippendale and Mr GeniAus at the talk today. |
The talk "Australia’s Unknown Soldier Returns Home" was delivered by Linda from local funeral directors
T J Andrews. Linda related the story of how Rob Allison former Managing Director of the firm, helped to bring home Australia’s
"Unknown Soldier" in 1993.
Prior to the talk we had a jolly time chatting with other folk we found there including my distant cousin Elva, friend Judy and several of Mr Geniaus's former workmates.
Once the talk commenced a stillness descended upon the room, The content was fascinating, the delivery was reverent and the attendees were respectful and attentive as they reflected on the content being presented. Linda included several readings including
the eulogy delivered by then Prime Minister Paul Keating in the presentation. I have never encoutered such a silent group at any talk I have attended.
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| Linda from T J Andrews |
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| Information leaflet from T J Andrews tells the story |
Thanks to to Neil Chippendale from Hornsby Library and Linda from T J Andrews for organising such a moving talk during this special week.
Although this wasn't a
#NFHM2014 event it caused me to reflect on the sacrifices made by my family members who served their country so selflessly. Mr GeniAus and I both enjoyed the talk and, on the way home, discussed taking a tour of the Western Front battlefields. We have previously visited the area independently but feel that we would benefit from a tour lead by a historian and military expert.
T J Andrews state on their website "If your organisation would like a complimentary presentation about the Unknown Soldier then please call: 1800 386 372." I would commend this offer to genealogy and local history societies.
