Military service run deep in the family of Nic Chantler, with four generations of the family past and present members of the Australian Army Corps.
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Major Chantler retired from the Army about 18 months ago and has been attending the Beaconsfield Service for about three years.
His grandfather served in World War I and his father in World War II and his son has joined the military as a telecommunications technician.
“I always thought that it was better to be a player than be a spectator and we have all felt the same way.”
He said Anzac Day was important because of the education aspect it held for communities.
“It makes the rest of the community realise there are people who do give for these causes.”
Major Chantler worked in the intelligence division of the military and said he served three times in Korea, once in Kuwait and spent three years in Kosovo among other tours.
Major Chantler said he had always been encouraged by the strong community presence at Beaconsfield.
About 500 people attended the 11am Beaconsfield Service with many community organisations laying wreathes for the event.
The guest speakers were Captain John Sammons from the Australian Navy and Exeter High School students Charli Lloyd and Elwood Wordsworth.
“We don’t believe today is about loss but about courage, sacrifice, mateship and trust,” Mr Wordsworth said.
“It is hard, if not impossible, for us to fully imagine what a battlefield was like for our fellow Australians but if there is one thing we are sure of it is our gratitude and respect for those soldiers.”
West Tamar Mayor Christine Holmdahl was the master of ceremonies for the service.
“We have come here today to commemorate the qualities of loyalty, comradeship, devotion, tenacity and the patriotism of the men and women who stepped forward to serve in Galipoli and the Western campaign,” she said.
“We remember today our Australian Indigenous men who enrolled out of patriotism and for the first time, this year felt a sense of equality.”
At the end of the war the sacrifice of Indigenous men was not recognised but that was rectified this year with Aboriginal Elders leading the march in Canberra.
The Beaconsfield Service was held the cenotaph.
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Caitlin Jarvis
I have worked in the Tasmanian digital/print media for 11 years, spanning two newsrooms. I have developed a keen interest in agricultural, development and education news, as well as issues-based long-form journalism. Contact me at caitlin.jarvis@examiner.com.au
I have worked in the Tasmanian digital/print media for 11 years, spanning two newsrooms. I have developed a keen interest in agricultural, development and education news, as well as issues-based long-form journalism. Contact me at caitlin.jarvis@examiner.com.au
