Gordon Sharp 1/65
At the end of each day, commencing at 4.55 pm AEST, the Australian War Memorial in Canberra farewells visitors with its moving Last Post Ceremony. The ceremony begins with the singing of the Australian National Anthem, followed by the poignant strains of a Lament, played by a piper. Visitors are invited to lay wreaths and floral tributes beside the Pool of Reflection. The Roll of Honour in the Cloisters lists the names of more than 102,000 Australians who have given their lives in war and other operations over more than a century. At each ceremony the story behind one of these names is told. The Ode is then recited, and the ceremony ends with the sounding of the Last Post.
On 18th August this year, the ceremony will honour Gordon Sharp 1/65 the first OTU graduate to die in Vietnam.
The OTU Association will be represented and lay a wreath.
John O’Halloran 1/65 a close friend of Gordon at school, at Scheyville and in Vietnam, https://www.awm.gov.au/live/ advises that at least 14 members of Gordon’s family will be present, together with representations from his school in Tamworth, and his regiment.
All Scheyvillians are invited to attend this brief but moving ceremony, no formal invitation is necessary, just arrive in time to be at The Pool of reflection by 4.50pm
Further details will be posted on the OTU website if and when they become available.
For those unable to attend a live stream of the ceremony will be broadcast at
at 1655hrs on the day.
A bugler and piper in the commemorative area of the Australian War Memorial.
Roger Nation
Webmaster
