Newcastle boy fulfils Remembrance Day dream after befriending Vietnam veteran
A 10-year-old's lifelong wish to lay a wreath at a war memorial came true at Newcastle's Remembrance Day service.
Eddie Miller is a year 4 student who loves military history. He became friends with Stephen W. Finney, a Vietnam War veteran at Elermore Glen retirement village, where Eddie's grandmother also lives.
Finney asked Eddie to lay a wreath at the Newcastle RSL's Remembrance Day service in Civic Park on Wednesday. Eddie was moved by the experience and called it the "best week of my life."
At least 1000 people came to the service. An F-35A fighter jet flew over from Williamtown RAAF base.
The service honoured Flight Sergeant Ron Middleton, a RAAF pilot who saved his crew during a 1942 mission and was later awarded the Victoria Cross. The service focused on the next generation "carrying the flame" of remembrance forward.
- 10 years old
- Boy's age
- St Philips Christian College, Waratah
- School
- At least 1000 people
- Service attendance
- November 11, 1918
- Armistice date
Why it mattersIt shows how intergenerational friendship can give young Australians a living link to our military history and sacrifice.
AustraliaNewcastle honours Remembrance Day with a moving ceremony that connects schoolchildren to veterans and the RAAF.
Corroborated byThe Examiner
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 5 h ago
