M1A1 Abrams tanks, destined for Ukraine, were paraded for the last time in Adelaide last week, with guests of honour including Frank Fursenko, President of the Association of Ukrainians in SA (AUSA) and Rev Father Evhen Kvasniuk.
With a sizable crowd of 1,500 attendees, the RAAF Edinburgh Air Base celebrated the Cambrai Day Parade on Friday 22nd November to mark the 75th anniversary of the 1st Armoured Regiment. This was the last time the Abrams tanks would be included in the parade.
Presiding Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Jake Penley acknowledged the Ukrainian-Australian community in his speech during the momentous event, and extended a show of mateship with the invitation and attendance of AUSA President, Frank Fursenko.
The parade featured 10 decommissioned M1A1 Abrams tanks, pledged to Ukraine along with 39 more.
The AFUO is thrilled that Frank, Fr Kvasnuik and the AUSA were acknowledged during the parade. The AFUO is also extremely grateful for this donation of decommissioned tanks to Ukraine – the largest donation of tanks from any country in the world. The tanks will make a powerful difference on the frontline and help to protect lives.
“They are central to land combat, they are the most protected vehicle that a land military can have…and it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to help our friends by providing them as a gift” said Lieutenant Colonel Jake Penley to the Sunday Mail newspaper.
The AFUO thanks Commanding Officer of the 1st Armoured Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Jake Penley and Commanding Officer of the 9th Brigade, Brigadier Tim Orders, for their invitation to Frank and Father Kvasnuik to attend the parade, as representatives of the Ukrainian-Australian community in South Australia.
