On this day …….. 22nd of December 1967
A memorial service for Prime Minister Harold Holt was held at St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Melbourne on this day in 1967, only five days after his disappearance. The service was attended by 10,000 people and a number of international dignitaries including former and incoming Prime Ministers of Australia.
Those attending included:
President Johnson of America, President Văn Thiệu of South Vietnam, President Chung-hee of South Korea, President Marcos of Philippines, Vice President Yen of Taiwan
New Zealand prime minister Mr Holyoake, Britain’s Prime Minister Harold Wilson, Prime Minister Mulinu II of Western Samoa, Prime Minister Kittikachorn of Thailand, Prime Minister Yew of Singapore, Dep Prime Minister Rahman of Malaysian
Prince Phurisara of Cambodia, Prince Charles of England, Governor General Lord Casey
Former Prime Ministers of Australia – Robert Menzies Arthur Fadden Frank Ford
Incoming Prime Ministers of Australia – John McEwen Billy McMahon Gough Whitlam Melcolm Frazer
This was the first event to be transmitted from Australia to other countries via satellite.