Veterans come together

“Remembrance Day is about gratitude,” said Alan Weeks, as he helped to set the seats for his companions under the trees at Smithfield Memorial Gardens.

“Most of us have been active service members for most of our lives, and some of us have family that served in World War I. And so, every Remembrance Day we gather here to pay our respects to those who never returned and be grateful for their sacrifice,” he said.

The small band of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) from northern Adelaide, have been meeting regularly over the past three decades.

Beth Weeks, Alan’s wife, said the group brings a sense of belonging and social connection to its members.

“Not all bands include wives, but we are glad to all get together because it is about being social and talking about everyday things,” she said.

Alan Weeks, who has been chairman of the branch for over 20 years, said it is important to keep everyone together, not only for companionship, but for the health of its members.

“We’ve all got a common background and we all support each other. For example, one of our members received a grant from the UK branch for special hand controls for his car. He lost his legs in combat and couldn’t drive and this grant made it possible for him to get around,” Alan said.

The branch gets together every couple of months for dinner and to stay in touch.

“We are a brotherhood; a family and we keep in touch so that everybody can feel that they’re still accepted and respected for their service.”

“And it is also about recognition and knowing that although we made it home, many didn’t, and we need to have opportunities to reflect on that.”

On ANZAC Day, Alan, along with other members of the REME Association join the march behind the Australian Defence Force.

Alan said it shouldn’t be about what country we are from, but the collective memory of the pain and suffering we endure in wartime.

“For me, ANZAC Day is about the commemoration of everyone who went ashore that day and it is about remembering those who lost their lives, the injuries and the horrendousness of war.”

“No matter where we are from, war is a terrible thing that affects us all”, he said.

Alan joined the REME branch in 2001. “I was at the ANZAC Day march, and I saw our standard and so I went up and said hello. I joined up and soon became chairman – I’ve been chairman ever since”.

Alan said to keep the branch going, they are happy to have all service men and women become associates, no matter their background.

“We are not just mechanical engineers now; we have marines and other associates involved. I think that is important.”

“A lot of groups have folded because they didn’t keep their recruiting going and didn’t branch out, but my attitude is that we all have a background in one field or another and I’d rather people join up and keep us together, we can all benefit from each other’s stories.”

The group would like to see younger members take the reign, Alan chuckles; he is not getting any younger.

“There is still a great sense of recognition by the community and when I am in uniform, people of all ages will come out of their way to thank me for my service, so I think it is still relevant and it always will be.”

See over leaf for ANZAC Day commemorations details.