Veterans part of huge 2024 Anzac Day turnout on Fraser Coast | Photos
Two Second World War veterans were among thousands of people who gathered to commemorate Anzac Day in Maryborough and Hervey Bay, with one saying it “meant everything” to be there. PHOTOS, VIDEO
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Two Second World War veterans attended Hervey Bay’s 2024 Anzac Day service and parade as thousands gathered to honour the sacrifice of servicemen and women, past and present.
Hervey Bay’s Alan Williams, who will turn 101 in six weeks, said he had served in New Guinea during the war.
Mr Williams, who served in the navy,was sent to the Middle East, but on the way Darwin was bombed.
He said it was special to see such a large crowd gathered for the march and service at Freedom Park.
Ken Hayden, 97, who attended the service with his wife June and daughter Denise Bufton, said it meant everything to be at the service on Thursday.
Mr Hayden had only just got out of hospital after three weeks, with his goal to get to the 2024 parade and Anzac Day service.
He served in the navy for four years during and after the Second World War.
At the main service in Maryborough, Deputy Mayor Paul Truscott addressed those gathered.
“Today, as we stand together in solemn remembrance, we honour the brave men and women who served and sacrificed in the name of freedom and peace,” he said.
“Anzac Day is a testament to the courage, camaraderie, and fortitude of our forces, who, across distant shores and skies, have borne the cost of our nation’s resolve.
“As we reflect on the service of those that paid the ultimate sacrifice, I am reminded of the teachings of Jesus Christ, who said in John 15:13, ‘Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’ These words echo profoundly today as we recall the selflessness of our Anzacs, who, in times of war, laid down their lives not only for their friends but for countless generations to come.
OPEN: Where to grab coffee, groceries on Anzac Day
“Their legacy is the peaceful nation we cherish today, a tribute to their willingness to bear the greatest sacrifice.”
Earlier in the day, thousands of people gathered across the region at Dawn Services to pay their respects to fallen heroes.
On a mild morning across the region, the Last Post rang out before the national anthems of Australia and New Zealand were performed.
In Maryborough, several wreaths were laid at the city’s cenotaph, including by Maryborough View Club members Ann Morris and Dawn Potter, who laid flowers to honour the sacrifices made by women during war.
Jackie Scott, Peter Niesler and Stan Nelson from Maryborough Lions Club were on hand to provide free coffee and tea and give out Anzac biscuits ahead of the service.
Dawn Services were also held in Glenwood, Howard, Poona, River Heads, Tinana, Tiaro, Tinnanbar and Toogoom.
A gunfire breakfast was held at Maryborough RSL following the dawn service.
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