You could not have asked for better weather at the VVMC NSW Chapter’s Commemorative Service, it was one of those perfect days for either riding or just sitting back and soaking up the sun, and when you have the chance to enjoy those sort of days in the company of a few hundred other like minded people, well, to be honest, it don’t get much better being a biker in Australia.

The roll up at Pearlbrook this year had to be the biggest yet, and I doubt that the quality and sincerity of the service would have left anyone attending on the day feeling disappointed, and to be honest, I reckon you would have to go a hell of a long way to find a service that is comparable. There were no pretensions or backslapping, no one was just turning up to promote themselves or because it might help to further a political career, the people who attended did so because they simply wanted to. I think one of the reasons that this particular Service is so successful, is, that more than most other sections of society in Australia bikers tend not to judge a person by what they have but more by who they are, they look you in the eye when talking to you and aren’t worried about political correctness, basically, you know exactly where you stand when talking to a biker, and whilst this ethos seems to be on the decline elsewhere it was very obvious that it remains alive and well in the people who attended the Service in order to join the VVMC and other Vietnam Veterans present in remembering those who fought alongside of them.

This years Catafalque Party was again supplied by the Australian Army, and as on previous occasions they did themselves, the Army and the VVMC proud, call me sentimental, but I reckon the Pipers Ode, Lament and Reflection, and the Buglers Last Post plus Rouse and Flags to Masthead seem to have an extra quality about them as they echo back off the rock-face across the creek and the surrounding hills. Pearlbrook favourites Brian McVernon, Love that Hat and the V-Dubs provided the music throughout the day and well into the night, and, with plenty of good tucker, the drinks flowing freely in the clubhouse plus numerous well stocked fire drums, fair dinkum, if you failed to have a good time then you really weren’t trying all that hard.

All in all, the Service was a fine example of how Australians should commemorate those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and I am sure it will continue to go from strength to strength.

On a final but sad note, a young bloke by the name of Matt was unfortunately killed whilst on his way to Pearlbrook, I am sure that I can speak for the Wildcats and all those who attended at Pearlbrook when I extend our condolences and deepest sympathies to his family and friends, RIP Matt.