Service Honours Lost Mariners

Newcastle Herald

Monday June 9, 2008

By VICTORIA JACK

MERCHANT mariners travelled from Sydney and Forster to attend their annual memorial service in Newcastle at the weekend, and were more than happy to let the "young ones" lead the commemorations.

The service on the Newcastle Foreshore honoured the memory of merchant mariners lost in times of war, with particular focus on those from the Hunter Region.

Newcastle Merchant Navy Memorial Committee chairman Peter Morris said about 300 people attended the service, including a small number of merchant mariners from World War II.

The 1st Belmont North Sea Scouts raised and lowered the flags, naval cadets from TS Tobruk formed the catafalque party, and school captains from Swansea High School and Hunter School of Performing Arts delivered the main addresses.

Mr Morris said the merchant mariners were touched that young people led the service because they would be the future of the tradition.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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