Northam service honours fallen soldiers

The main service on Saturday was conducted by the Northam 519 Army Cadet Unit and TS Perth Naval Cadet Unit.

The special service was well attended by community members with about 90 people paying their respects to fallen soldiers.

At 11am, the Last Post was played by Northam RSL member Luis Lim.

Northam pilot Peter Hill did a fly-pass to pay respects to pilots who had served. 

This was followed by the Ode of Remembrance that was read by Northam Army Cadet senior officer Megan Ashman.

Flanders Field was read by TS Perth Naval Cadet Unit petty officer Alida O’Brien.

Retired Royal Australian Navy lieutenant commander David Vehlow also gave an address. 

Northam RSL Sub Branch president Mick Prytulak welcomed everyone and thanked the crowd before the last post was played by bugler Louis Lim.

The Northam Sub Branch held three services in the lead up to the day at the Bethavon Residency, Northam Residency and the Yongah Hill Detention Centre. 

Northam Sub Branch membership officer Donna Prytulak said next year's event will be a big occasion, honouring 100 years since the last gun was fired in 1918. 

She said a family event will be held in Bernard Park, Northam.

Ms Prytulak said the army cadets conducted themselves well in the heat. 

Northam Army Cadets parade every Wednesday night between 6.30 and 9.30pm. 

Northam Army Cadet captain Terry Dyer said there were 20 cadets in the National Youth organisation.

“The kids get taught first aid, military skills, radio use and how to look after themselves in the bush,” he said.

Mr Dyer said the cadets have the opportunity to travel to England every second year for an international youth program.

He said two Northam cadets are planning to go next year.  “They can enter interstate competitions too,” Mr Dyer said.

“It is a good environment for the kids to be in. It’s great for developing leadership skills.”

There are three adult officers in Northam who are all trained to work with children, he said.

Mr Dyer, who was in the army for 12 years, said the organisation is a springboard for people wanting to get in the Australian Defence Force.

He said a local student and Northam Army Cadet warrant officer Taryn Miller is planning to get into the Australian Air Force to become a pilot.

“Shes very clever – she will get there,” he said.