500 Aborigines and
Torres Strait Islanders served in the Navy, Army and Air Force to the defence
of their land during World War I and as many as 5,000 in World War II, yet
failed to receive the recognition they deserved on their return. For many of
these soldiers it was on the battlefields that they experienced equality for
the first time.
Ex-Naval submariner
David Williams, who is now president of the NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Veterans Association, said “When you’re in the trenches the bullets
don’t care what colour your skin is,” during a speech in the service for
remembrance at St Saviour’s Church, Young Street. He praised the high turnout
of people who spilled out of the church and onto the streets in comparison to
the mere 40 people who attended the service last year.
The Coloured
Diggers’ march left the Block in Redfern at noon, timed so that any veterans
who wanted to be part of the mainstream march in the City could participate in
both. Proudly leading the march was Pastor Ray Minniecon, the Director of
Crossroads Aboriginal Ministries in Sydney
and organiser of the event which he says is long overdue. Pastor Bill Simon who
marched shortly behind him said that seven of his uncles fought in the ninth
division in World War II yet received little recognition. He said, “I’m just
happy to be here amongst my people. As a pastor, I marry them and I bury them.
It feels good to be here amongst them now.”
Supporters lined the
rainy streets of Redfern shouting, “Good on ya fellas!” and handing out sprigs
of rosemary for remembrance. The parade stopped outside the church where a
traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremony and welcome dance was performed. Glen
Doyle who participated in the ceremony which is performed on sacred grounds
said that the parade is good for community spirit. “We can’t change history but
people are getting a good inspiration from Redfern at the moment. Events like
this one today are working towards values we had 50 years ago. We’re in a
transition period and Redfern is approaching a good time.”
Source: South Sydney Herald May 2007 http://www.southsydneyherald.com.au/