Nurses have a proud, selfless and heroic history of military service, both in times of conflict and peace.
“In 1902, the Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS) was formed when civilian nurses volunteered for wartime military service,” Australian College of Nursing CEO, Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward said.
Thousands of AANS nurses served overseas and at home during both World War I and World War II.
“This week the Australian College of Nursing (ACN) is privileged to be honouring the bravery and contribution made by members of the Australian Army Nursing Service,” Adj Prof. Ward said.
“Today I will be laying a wreath on behalf of ACN at the War Memorial during the Last Post Ceremony to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the sinking of the Vyner Brooke and the service of Sister Anne Merle Trennery, missing presumed dead as a result of this incident, along with 11 of her AANS colleagues.
“This Thursday we will be remembering Sister Lorna Florence Fairweather, who was executed, alongside 20 of her AANS colleagues, in the Bangka Island massacre 75 years ago.
“Nurses have always gone wherever people need help and this proud tradition continues today.”
