Publication:The Fearless Times Issue 2 2009/Honour and Rememberance
Two very moving ceremonies were attended by representatives from HMAS Toowoomba during our visit to Karachi. The first event was a formal visit to lay a wreath at the Mazar-e-Quaid. This sacred sit marks the tomb of the “founding father” of Pakistan, Mohammad Ali Jin-nah. The site, standing at the highest point in Karachi, is the most important and symbolic place in Pakistan.
All state sponsored visitors are obliged to pay their respects by laying a wreath on visiting Pakistan and as such, large crowds were gathered to witness the event which was also covered on National Television News.
The CO, CMDR Ivan Ingham, and Operations Officer, LCDR Ben Dalton, joined an official party of Pakistan Navy personnel and slow marched into the shrine to the sound of beating drums. Once inside the impressive opensided memorial building, CMDR Ingham laid a wreath on behalf of the Ship's Company of Toowoomba. A bugler played 'The Last Post' which echoed throughout the domeshaped building as the wind whipped through the archways creating a very moving atmosphere.
Many locals visit the shrine daily to pay their respects to the Founding Father of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam, and to pray for peace across the nation.
A more informal ceremony followed when ten personnel from Toowoomba were privileged to visit the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery. The purpose of this visit was to remember and pay respects to Australians who had been killed in Pakistan during both World Wars.
Toowoomba's Padre, Steve Gunther, put together a very touching ceremony which remembered those killed in the World Wars, and those servicemen who have been lost in recent times in Afghanistan. The families who continue to suffer this great loss were also remembered.
Both the Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan and the CO, laid wreaths in tribute to the fallen after which a rendition of Amazing Grace was played as the group observed a period of silence.
The cemetery is looked after by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. There are 632 people buried or memorialised from the Commonwealth Nations. Of those, nine were Australians.
It was a sombre, moving and profound visit to an important and beautifully preserved war grave.
