Anzac Day is a time to reflect on those who were lost in the wars over the years, and those who are left behind, however, often people who served in the armed forces as peacekeepers, or wars other than the world wars, get overlooked at this time.

Ken Parkinson has only been living in Burrill Lake for three months, but he has been in the army for over 40 years, and is still a member of the Army Reserve. 

Today he shared some of his own, and his family’s memorabilia at the Pigeon House Day Club meeting.

Ken started his army career in infantry, and later moved to the ordinance core logistics division.  

He spent eight months serving in East Timor on a peacekeeping mission.

He has won numerous war medals, including an active service medal, a medal recognising his service in East Timor, a long service medal and a United Nations medal, also for his service in East Timor.

“I wanted to display some of my memorabilia because sometimes the newer stuff gets overlooked,” said Ken.

Ken’s late wife, Judith, also had a great uncle, Private Hector Gordon Holland, who served in World War l, and was killed in action.

He has kept all Hector’s war memorabilia, including postcards, his bible, and letters to the family informing them of his death.

Hector was killed in 1917 in France, coming out of the trenches.  He is buried in an unmarked grave.

The letter written to his mother, indicates that death was swift and without suffering.

Ken will march in Batemans Bay this Anzac day, as part of the Bay’s pipe band, having also been in the military pipe bands for many years.