American Ex-Servicemen's Association, Inc.

American Ex-Servicemen's Association
Melbourne Australia

Our normal monthly meeting is now on the fourth Thursday of the month except June (AGM is first Sunday in July) and December and January (holiday break) at London Tavern in Caulfield South, starting at 1:15 PM. We meet about midday for lunch before the meeting.

The London Tavern is located at:

414 Hawthorn Road

Caulfield South 3162

Melways Ref: p68 A5

On Tram line 64 (stop 58) and near tram line 67

Purpose

The American Ex-Servicemen's Association is a social organization formed for the purpose of promoting the welfare of American Ex-Servicemen and women in Australia and to secure better relations between Americans and the Australian Community. We join together to enjoy comradery and remember those who have served our home country.

Honors to the Flag

If you have an old flag that is tattered, faded, or unservicable, please contact a member about proper disposal for it. We will dispose of it with proper honors. You may turn it in to any member or leave it at the Kew RSL or the American Consulate in Melbourne for a proper disposal. Please do not throw it out with your trash. For more information about our Flag, visit the American Legion "Our Flag" page.

History

to be added... The American Ex-Servicemen's Association was started in March 1946 by a group of American Service personnel who emigrated to Australia. Included in that first group were: Jimmy Fratturo, Mal Cooper, Bill Gray, and Betty Shergold. Mal provided a picture from 1951.

Activities

Annual Barbeque - Sunday, 11 January 2009
Washington's Birthday Party - Sunday, 15 February 2009
Non-AESA event: Kew RSL ANZAC March - Sunday, 19 April 2009
Meet at the Kew RSL at 1PM for a march and wreath laying followed by a service at Holy Trinity Church and reception at the RSL afterwards.
Non-AESA event: Melbourne ANZAC Day Parade participation - Saturday, 25 April 2009 more
  Meet with the group under the American Flag at or near the corner of Flinders Station at Swanston and Flinders Sts after 1130 hrs
  Step off at 1230 (or so)
  Call Secretary if you need vehicular transport to/from or during the parade - we have requested rides for up to 6 Veterans.(to/from needs must be coordinated before 12 March)
  Reception afterwards - at the Kew RSL -starting after 2PM.
  See us march in 2005 and 2006
Please review the RSL Guidelines for participating in the parade. Dress appropriate to the sanctity of the event is required. No utility uniforms or sweatsuits, t-shirts, shorts or sandals.
Note: Discount parking at Fed Square for veterans ($5) and free rail/bus transport on the day - Wear medals to verify eligibility.
Non-AESA event: Battle of the Coral Sea Dedication Ceremony with the HMAS Australia Veterans Association at the Shrine of Remembrance - expected to be Tuesday, 5 May 2009
  Muster at the Sanctuary within the Shrine at 1100 hours a change.
  Sponsored by the HMAS Australia Veterans Association
  Reception to follow
(use this link for US Navy photos of the battle.)
Memorial Day Ceremony at the Shrine of Remembrance - Sunday, 24 May 2009
Muster at the Sanctuary within the Shrine at 1330 hours
Wreath Laying at 1345 hrs
Reception afterwards - at the home of George and Maggie Daic, (contact Ed for details)
View pictures of the 2006 event.
Non-AESA event: D-Day Remembrance Ceremony at the Shrine - 6 June 2009
Independence Day Party - Sunday, 5 July 2009 (RSVP essential)
Annual General Meeting - Sunday, 5 July 2009
Non-AESA event: Vietnam Veterans Day ceremony at the Shrine - 18 August 2008 at 12 noon
National POW/MIA Recognition Day - 19 September 2009
- Desert Storm - 1 American is still missing and unaccounted
- Vietnam - 1,773 Americans are still missing and unaccounted
- Korea - 8,100 Americans are still missing and unaccounted
- WW II - 78,000 Americans missing and unaccounted
State RSL Remembrance Day Service at Springvale - 9 November 2008
Thanksgiving Luncheon - Thursday, 27 November 2008 (London Tavern, Caulfield South, about noon, RSVP essential)
Non-AESA event: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Service at Springvale - 7 December 2008 at 2:30pm
Christmas Party - Sunday, December 14, 2008

Other Past Activities

Dedication of a plaque and tree commemorating the service of American veterans at the Shrine on Friday, 7 December 2007 - started at 11:45am. The Premier of Victoria and the Consul General presided. See the Premier of Victoria's remarks and the RSL Vic MUFTI article.

Veterans Benefits Seminar - still pending more presentations in other locations around Victoria.

Veterans Benefits Seminar - Thursday, 15 June 2006
We arranged for Consulate and DVA speakers for a seminar at the Kew RSL between 1 - 3 PM instead of our regular meeting. We have been invited to present more of these by the DVA. Keep posted for more info.