The first official meeting of SAMVOA, Western Australia was held on Saturday, 13 August 2005 and exceeded all expectations with twenty three Veterans attending.
The meeting commenced with the lighting of the Flame of Remembrance and the reading of SAMVOA`s Dedication and The Ode.
It was unanimously decided that this would be the Remembrance Format at all future Western Australian meetings, thereby honouring and remembering all those who made the Supreme Sacrifice.
Certificates of Membership and SAMVOA badges were then presented to all present, which served as a recognition of their commitment to SAMVOA and it`s ideals, as well as welcoming them to the Organisation. My apologies once again to Veteran Leon Johnson whose Certificate somehow got "lost" in the system.
Jammer ou maat, it will definitely be handed to you at our next meeting.
The dress code for our participation in future ANZAC Day Parades was explained and it was also raised that we should perhaps consider the introduction of green cravats with the SAMVOA emblem, to be worn by those Veterans not in possession of Regimental ties, which seemed to be the vast majority.
It was agreed that a comprehensive WA database of Names, Addresses, Occupations, and Contact Details be created, maintained, updated and forwarded to all Veterans on a regular basis and that it was important to involve the spouses and families of Veterans to ensure the continued growth of the Organisation, especially amongst the youth.
It was pleasing to note that those present were committed to the ideals of SAMVOA and that this nucleus of inaugural Veterans wouldendeavour to increase the membership numbers of SAMVOA at every opportunity. From the calibre and commitment of those present, it augurs well for the future of the Organisation in Western Australia.
Well done Veterans, a great effort and I look forward to our next get together.
My sincere thanks to all those Veterans who attended and by doing so, ensured a truly successful and enjoyable evening. A special word of thanks to Veteran Ron Berry, who arranged for the printing of the Certificates and for the name tags.
Alles van die Beste.
Garth Pienaar, Chairman, SAMVOA, Western Australia