THOUSANDS have gathered at Redland City to attend dawn services, with the major event at the Anzac Centenary Memorial at Cleveland attended by about 10,000 people.
Create a free account to read this article
or signup to continue reading
Redlanders paid their respects to those who had fought and suffered for their country with dignity and muted applause.
Redland RSL president Alan Harcourt said told the crowd that the day was about remembering all those – service personnel or civilians – who had paid the supreme sacrifice.
This included those who suffered or continued to suffer through their physical or mental scars, including those next of kin whose grief and sense of loss could never be eased.
“In particular we dedicate this day to those early Anzacs, men of Australia and New Zealand though young and inexperienced fought with courage and tenacity in the face of just as tenacious an enemy,’’ he said.
“They covered themselves with glory and set high standards for all who followed.
“The Anzacs also put into place a new code of ethics, that Australians follow today more than 100 years later – the Anzac Spirit, mateship, courage, bravery, ingenuity and the willingness to help their mates (which is) embedded in the Australian way of life.
“We remember all Australians that have and still are serving our country both on our homeland and overseas; these men and women who are willing to lay down their lives for us in their line of duty.
“This sense of duty was also present on the Western front and WWII where they were required to defend Australia itself. Also they served in 12 major conflicts around the world and many policing and peacekeeping duties and are still serving today.
“Today we also reflect on what a wonderful, lucky nation we live in. It is also a time to remain vigilant, for there are those who wish us harm.
“We cannot isolate ourselves and ignore these responsibilities.
“In a perfect world there would be no wars or aggression. Unfortunately this is not a perfect world. We must be prepared to preserve peace and be prepared to deploy forces in our own nation and the region and to places where aggression may exist.
“More than 102,000 Australians have been lost to wars. Think what Australia might have been without this loss of life; the potential leaders of industry, trade and commerce and the development that was stymied.
“Some say Anzac Day glorifies war but every veteran will be the first to say that their greatest wish and fervent prayer is that their children and their children’s children and this nation will never have to witness the horrors of war.
“Anzac Day is time to give thought for those that have served and are serving. They are serving the people of Australia.
“Let us be proud of them (and) give our support to them. To those that have and are serving in the navy, army or airforce, be proud of what you have done, as we are proud of you.
“No matter what battles you may have fought, know that your deeds are appreciated by the Australians for whom you serve. You have helped create a tradition with which our nation can display with honour in any company.
“On this Anzac Day we say thank you, to all Australians that have served this nation.
“Lest we forget.’’
More pictures and stories will be in the Redland City Bulletin published on Wednesday.