There was an unintentional half a minute’s silence at the Darwin Defenders Commemoration service at Horsham College on Tuesday.
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The 77th anniversary of the beginning of Japanese raids on Darwin during World War Two marked the first time a veteran who served there did not attend the service.
Lynne Wright, secretary of the Darwin Defenders Horsham committee, said she had hope the event would continue in coming years following the success of this year’s featuring descendants of three of those who served.
“When they asked if there were any descendants and for them to stand, because there were none there was silence,” she said.
“I think it really brought home the fact these people are getting older and need to be remembered.”
Ms Wright said attendance numbers were down on last year's, but this was partly due to the event clashing with some funerals.
“We were lucky to have the air force cadets as well, which we weren’t expecting, and they were able to do the formal part of the cenotaph as well as the army,” she said.
“We were very lucky Saints Michael and John’s Primary School attended and laid a couple of wreaths as well.
"Interestingly, the feedback from the schools themselves is they want this service to continue, that they want this taught in schools. I've spoken to a few primary schools where they originally thought the children weren't old enough at one stage, but the message now is they want their students to learn about this.”