CD Launch

The CD was launched at a very successful evening on the 22nd April. Guests were welcomed to Kaurna land by Steven Goldsmith and RSL President for SA, NT and Broken Hill, Jock Statton gave his support for the Connecting Spirits project particularly the CD. Rita and Flo each performed 2 of their songs live, while 2 other songs from each of them were presented as multimedia displays. Brian Rogers presented a cheque for the Youth Leadership program to Hamish and Hayden on behalf of the Yatala Prison Officers Charity Fund. Member for Kavel, Mark Goldsworthy gave a speech on the importance of Anzac Day, and helped present Memorial Cards to some of the relatives of soldiers remembered on the 2008 tour. Arthur Jeeves of the Duke of Leinster Lodge received a card in memory of lodge member William Stewart McKay who was killed in action on 24th April 1918. In return he presented Meningie Area School with a copy of the book "Hurcombe's Hungry Half Hundred", a history of the 50th battalion to which William belonged. Julie thanked all who had contributed to the success of the program and the CD with a special presentation to Gavin O'Loghlin, who produced the CD. The evening was drawn to a close with a video presentation of the "Last Post" ceremony that the 2008 tour group participated in at the Menin Gate last year.

One member of the audience was so moved by the event he sent us an email almost as soon as he got home. It is quoted in part below.

"Dear Julie, Mal and all the students of Birdwood High School and Meningie Area School,

My e-mail is to thank you for a memorable night when the CD “Songs of Remembrance” was launched.

As a conscripted Vietnam Veteran, I have been given new hope in the knowledge that our younger generation know the terrible cost war has on a community but it is the healing process that comes with remembrance and acknowledgement of those who died and suffered. I am also pleased that the project your team has embarked on is inclusive of this nation's true heritage; our fellow Aboriginal people. Well done.
 
When Rita Lindsay sang “Aboriginal Soldiers”, her song was uplifting and she sang from the heart. I spoke to her when she signed my CD and she is a fine woman and stands tall and proud Well done.

Flo Bourke has so much maturity and ability and her potential to reach out to others through her music is an inspiration to all.

I am sure with talking more with Eric Bogle there are more offerings to come from these two wonderful ladies of song and music.

You can now see how last night's presentation left me deeply impressed and moved.
 
Please convey my expressed sincere congratulation to ALL students and others involved with the progam “Connecting Spirits”. To the students who hosted the night and served eats and drinks, I would also like to say a big “thank you”.
 
I guess it can be said this is now a continuum and the next group to visit the French and Belgium battlefields and war memorials will also make their mark in our Australian cultural heritage
 
Thank you all again
Trevor Shinnick
Vietnam Veteran"

You can see a short video grab from the local media at 
http://player.video.news.com.au/adelaidenow/#CGG71P6KfQh6dlN9qpjuGeV3VKHLFu4C .