New generation pays respect at Cairns Remembrance Day service
A new generation of Cairns youngsters have gathered at the Cairns Esplanade cenotaph to pause and reflect in grateful acknowledgment of sacrifice made in defence of our nation.
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A new generation of Cairns youngsters have gathered at the Cairns Esplanade cenotaph to pause and reflect in grateful acknowledgment of sacrifice made in defence of our nation.
A solid crowd of more than 300 under sunny skies took time out at 11am on Saturday to mark the 105th anniversary of the armistice between Germany and the Allies, signed on November 11, 1918.
Major Peter Jarvis of the 51st Battalion addressed the Remembrance Day gathering following an invocation by Andrew Schaefer of the Far North Queensland regiment.
“Today we pause to remember the profound losses endured by our fellow Australians,” he said.
“It is a day to pay homage to the courage, resilience, and selflessness exhibited by generations past and present.
“Let us remember those who have faced adversity, displayed the true essence of mateship and commitment to a cause greater than themselves.
“From the muddy trenches of World War I where my great granddad served to the mountainous forests of World War II, where my granddad served or the fighting in the jungles of Vietnam, which ended for our Australian soldiers 50 years ago.
“The families that remain behind and fight their own battles and bear their own burden.”
Following a recent pro-Palestine demonstration outside Senator Nita Green’s Lake St office there was police concern the ceremony could be disrupted by protesters, however the commemoration went ahead without incident.
Dawn Leary attended the ceremony with her mother, father and brother visiting from Canberra, as well as her son Jesse.
She said it was important to pass on to the next generation what she has been taught.
“As much as he might think it’s too hot and boring to be here … it was instilled in us the importance of it,” she said.
“I’m trying to teach my son we need to recognise everybody that actually gave their lives.”
Navy veteran of 26 years David ‘Robbo’ Roberts flying the colours of the military motorcycle club Patriots Australia was proud to carry on a family tradition of service to the nation.
“My grandfather and father were in the (Royal Air Force) from the Second World War and my grandfather on my mother’s side was in the First World War,” he said.
“And it’s not just them, it’s all fallen, and it’s to pay respects to every one of them.
“It’s part of our history and we will learn from history, not trying to remake history, but learn from it.”
Following the service many diggers headed to the RSL club on the Esplande for a quenching drink and to catch up with old mates.
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Originally published as New generation pays respect at Cairns Remembrance Day service
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