This year on ANZAC Day, we honour the sacrifice made by our residents who have been involved in active service. Strathpine Aged Care resident, John Paterson, shares with us a bit about his experience in active service and his involvement in the National Service Association.
John recalls that age 18 years was the standard subscription age, however he was an apprentice electrician at the time, so he did not get enlisted as a private until 1954, at the age of 20.
John recalls a funny story from his time during active service. ‘When I think about it, the funniest story, was a young private was so nervous during training, he dropped the hand grenade,’ he laughs. ‘You should have seen everyone duck. Lucky he didn't pull the pin. We were all young blokes, it was all new to most of us.’
John tells us that he made friends during his wartime experience. ‘I've stayed friends with many of my mates, and we are still in the National Service Association to this day,’ he says. ‘I'm very proud of that.’
This year on ANZAC Day, John is assisting the Leisure and Lifestyle team with the ANZAC Day service program. ‘My son is in the Clan Stewart Bagpipes and is taking part in the Brisbane March,’ says John. ‘He is going to join us at Strathpine Aged Care as well. That's really special.’
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