Former Taralga man, the late Jim Marmont, was remembered during an address by his granddaughter on Anzac Day.
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Lily Marmont, the daughter of Patrick Marmont and Junelle Dunne, spoke of her grandfather's deep commitment to duty when she presented the commemorative address at the recent Warragamba /Silverdale Anzac Day service, before some 1000 people.
The Year 12 College leader at Caroline Chisholm College, Glenmore Park is passionate about her grandfather's legacy and her Marmont family heritage in Taralga.
Her mother said she proudly marched each year in honour of the memory of both her grandparents, Jim and Josie. This year was particularly special because it is the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of WWII. This year also marks the 100th anniversary of her grandfather's birth.
She recounted her grandfather's experiences in the 18th Field Ambulance in New Guinea.
"My grandfather's operational service extended from October 1,1941 until April 1, 1946. During this period, 'Poppy Jim' spent over two years on active duty transporting wounded soldiers to dressing stations, setting up medical staging posts and transporting soldiers to air evacuation points on the north eastern coastal strip of New Guinea - a total of 728 days in country," she said.
"His wartime reflections convey a profound sense of satisfaction that up until September 30, 1945, the 18th Field Ambulance had treated 162,020 soldiers."
Lily said her grandfather's commitment to his country prompted him to remain in New Guinea after the Japanese surrender in August, 1945. He assisted with 'clean up and repatriation' operations until March 1946.
"His deep sense of stewardship and commitment shone through some of the most challenging experiences of his life. It had been a far cry from the spud paddocks of his beloved Taralga," she said.
"My grandfather was posthumously awarded the Australian Service medal 1945 - 1975 for "non warlike" services to country - post WWII. It bears the Australian coat of arms attached to a ribbon of green and gold stripes flanked by the navy blue, khaki and light blue of the WWII pacific service medals. The clasp bears the initials PNG.
"I wear it with pride of place alongside his original service medals each year on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day. As the proud custodian of his legacy of service and sacrifice for our nation, I pledge to maintain this family tradition, inspired by the contributions of all service men and women to our history."
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