The Bombala RSL Sub Branch held its Annual Dinner at the local Golf Club on Friday, March 28, with Mr Fleming being delighted with the surprise presentation that was a major part of the evening.
NSW RSL State Councillor, Tony Toussaint of Merimbula travelled to Bombala to present Viv with the certificate, which recognises his many years of service to the RSL.
The document itself is what is known as a Hyde Park War Memorial Perm Plaque Certification of Appreciation, which Viv accepted with great pride.
Bombala RSL Sub Branch President, Rob Letts took part in the presentation, giving the following address to outline Viv’s war service and his ongoing commitment to the League -
“Mr Vivian William Fleming served in the 7th Division in the South West Pacific Area during the Second World War. He was a front line infantry man, 2nd/10th Battalion, and had experienced close action against the enemy on many occasions.
He is 83 years of age and is a respected member of the Bombala community.
Vivian joined the Bombala Sub Branch of the Returned and Services League of Australia, NSW Branch in 1949, continuous to the present day.
During all this time he has been an exemplary member, attending and taking part in Sub Branch meetings, and at all times upholding the aims and principles of the Returned and Services League of Australia in a highly commendable manner.
The Bombala Sub Branch formed its own licensed social club in 1950, which was administered and operated by Sub Branch volunteers, Vivian Fleming was one such volunteer giving freely of his time, knowledge and expertise.
He became a board member in 1982 for a period of 15 years. In 1989 the Club was sold to a commercial body.
Vivian also attended TIP courses as the Sub Branch representative and has been the Pensions and Welfare officer for the past 12 years. In this capacity he has handled pension matters with care and confidentiality, not only for members but also for Legacy widows as well as conducting hospital visitations.
For the past ten years he has been custodian of our Sub Branch meeting rooms and has officiated at the Bombala ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day celebrations as flag officer and cenotaph custodian for as many years.
His reception by the awarding of a Hyde Park War Memorial perm plaque certification of appreciation by NSW State Branch is highly recommended by our Sub Branch.”