WWII veterans reunite at commemorative lunch held at Nerang RSL and Memorial Club Inc.

The Nerang RSL and Memorial Club played host to an intimate lunch on Tuesday, September 3, to honour veterans and wives of those who fought courageously in WWII.

The event marked the 80th anniversary of the commencement of Australia’s involvement in the Second World War and offered a rare opportunity for the WWII veteran community to unite.

Mark Swain, Commemorative Committee Member of the Nerang RSL, said the lunch was a chance for 20 surviving veterans and wives to come together and share stories over a three-course lunch, all within an intimate setting.

“It was an exciting opportunity to bring together a distinguished group of individuals and say an enormous thank you for their service in such a critical time in our history,” he said. “We heard a few incredible stories of mateship that are so synonymous with the ANZAC spirit.

“With many ex-serving Veterans now in their mid-nineties, this event is a crucial time to recognise and celebrate these members of our community.”

Never short of a story about his past adventures, WWII veteran Derek Mumford, 93, said he and his wife Diana were excited to attend the commemorative lunch.

“My wife and I have been members of the Nerang RSL for close to forty years, and we thoroughly enjoyed socialising and trading some stories over a few drinks,” he said.

“It was great to see other veterans who we haven’t met before and we forged some new friendships.

“I feel truly honoured to have received an invitation to this special event.”