THIS year’s annual commemoration at Sydney’s Merchant Navy Memorial and Columbarium has been cancelled to protect participants from the spread of COVID-19.
The 57th annual ceremony had been scheduled for Sunday 10 April at Rookwood Necropolis, following a moving memorial ceremony last year.
However, the board of the Merchant Navy War Memorial Fund has announced its decision to not proceed with the commemoration.
In a letter to the Merchant Navy community and its supporters, MNWMF chairman David Field said the cancellation was a difficult decision to make.
“This has not been an easy decision, particularly for those of us who have, in recent years, devoted countless hours to build up the annual attendances to record levels,” Mr Field said.
“We are all very conscious of the age profile of many participants and it is a heavy responsibility to bear, knowing that even with precautions in place, someone’s health could be compromised.”
The annual commemoration is one of several initiatives organised by the MNWMF, which aim to ensure the Australian Merchant Navy is recognised as an important part of Australian maritime history and social culture.
The annual commemoration at the National Merchant Navy War Memorial at King’s Park in Canberra is still on track for 23 October this year.
“Subject to final confirmation closer to the date, we are very hopeful that our guest of honour will be His Excellency General the Hon. David Hurley AC, DSC, Retd and Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley,” Mr Field said.
