By Brendan Rees
The Berwick RSL was bursting with Christmas spirit as 20 young war veterans gathered with their families for a Christmas dinner on Friday 13 December.
Organisers say the event honoured the veterans for their service and sacrifice as well as an opportunity to embrace the former service men and women into the wider veteran community.
“They came together as a result of current conflicts,” Berwick RSL sub-branch secretary Chris McKenna said.
“It was our opportunity to invite them in a family-friendly environment and just sit back and enjoy themselves.
“People were mingling … for the most part they all enjoyed themselves.”
Mr McKenna said the sub-branch aimed to bring those who are isolated back connecting with others and engaging with society.
He added it wasn’t necessarily about young veterans recollecting their times in service but moving-forward and “fitting back into the wider community”.
“It’s all about embracing our local young veterans, welcoming them and their families into the wider community,” he said.
