Memorial service for late P.M. DPR/TV/766

Saigon: More than 200 Vietnamese Government, diplomats, service chiefs and church leaders gathered on the lawn in front of the Australian Ambassador's residence on Rue Pasteur to pay homage in a memorial service for the late Prime Minister Harold Holt. Before and after the memorial service, held in perfect weather, guests queued to sign the book of condolence set on a small table with a portrait framed photograph of the late Prime Minister and guarded by two HQ AFV provosts. The service was conducted by the chairman of the Australian Army Chaplains' Conference, Major Jack Gardiner of Liverpool, NSW, who is normally based at 1 AISG Vung Tau. In a tribute to the late Mr Holt, the Australian Ambassador, Mr Lewis Border, described the late Prime Minister's rise to prominence in Australian politics and stressed the fine work he had done, particularly in the field of foreign relations. The Lesson, 1 Corinthians 15:20, was read by the Commander, Australian Force Viet Nam, Major-General D. Vincent. Chaplain Gardiner led the congregation in the Lord's Prayer, Prayer of Commemoration and prayers for those who mourn, before closing out the service with the Benediction. Senior diplomats who attended the service included the British, Canadian, French, American and New Zealand ambassadors or high commissioners. Service chiefs included the Commander Australian Task Force, Brigadier Ron Hughes, Commander 1 ALSG, Lieutenant-Colonel Ian Gilmore, and RAAF Field Commander, Group Captain Hubble. Regrets were received from the Commander US Army Viet Nam, General William Westmoreland. (Also identified: US Ambassador Elsworth Bunker; Vietnamese Apostolic Delegate Bishop An; Australian Ambassador Lewis Border)