A gathering of 122 people listened intently to the guest speaker for the evening Colonel David Stevens RAEME (Rtd.), who had recently returned from a posting as Defence Attaché to Turkey and Israel.

Colonel Stevens addressed the role of military personnel in theatres of war, also in peace keeping deployments. In addition he touched on the different attitudes on ANZAC day from the Turkish and Australian perspectives.

A number of toasts were performed by Major Attila Ovari (Loyal Toast), Warrant Officer Class 2 Murray Parker (Toast to the Lighthorse Association) and Warrant Officer Class 2 Jim Nicholson (Toast to the Regiment).

Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of badges of rank to Wal Berman and Craig Cowgill (promoted to Corporal) and the presentation of emu plumes and insignia to new recruits: Kristyn Hayman, Elizabeth Berman and Mick Symon.

Our Honorary Member Sgt Keith Bent also received a framed photograph of himself and other C Sqn. Members of the 7th Lighthorse in camp at Dapto NSW in 1942 shortly before they changed from horses to armoured vehicles. The presentation was made by Mr Tony Toussaint, State Councillor RSL – Southern Country.

Chief Inspector John Cross (Rtd) our Regimental Piper played a tribute to our current serving troops; the tune Hector the Hero and Mr Simon Arlidge from Eden Marine High School recited the poem Death Bed, by Siegfried Sasson in honour of those who have died in conflicts.

Many thanks to all those contributed to the evening, especially the staff of Merimbula RSL Club and to Trooper Andrew Judge, our Mess Vice President.

Captain (AAC) Gary Berman Mess President, Troop Cmdr. Bemboka 7th Lighthorse Troop