MEGA GALLERY: Anzac Day 2023 in Ipswich, Springfield in photos

Check out how Ipswich and Springfield commemorated 2023 Anzac Day today in our mega gallery. 200-PLUS PHOTOS

Ipswich and Springfield came out in force to commemorate Anzac Day 2023.

Ipswich and Springfield community members turned in their thousands to commemorate 2023 Anzac Day across the region today.

Rain, wind and cold conditions did not deter about 2000 people who gathered for a moving Dawn Service at the Springfield ADF Memorial at Robelle Domain.

Defence personnel and community members silently paid their respects to the fallen from 5.30am in chilly darkness.

The RSL hosted a wreath laying service at the Ipswich Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, led by Ross Wadsworth and the Ipswich RSL band and Ipswich Grammar School choir.

Veterans Ray Johnson and Jean Jackson were presented with handmade quilts inscribed with personal messages acknowledging their valour and service.

Vietnam War veteran Ray Johnson with his quilt.

A teary Mr Wadsworth presented the quilts to the pair, hugging them both.

Mr Johnson, a Vietnam War veteran, now aged 80, said he was not worthy of being called a hero because, in his eyes, his friends deserved the recognition more than he did.

“I am no bloody hero but I worked with blokes who were,” he said.

“When I was in Sixth Battalion in Singapore I served with blokes who were heroes.

SPRINGFIELD ADF MEMORIAL PHOTO GALLERY

RSL IPSWICH SOLDIERS’ MEMORIAL HALL PHOTO GALLERY

IPSWICH MAIN MARCH PHOTO GALLERY

Joan Johnson, who received a quilt, with Dennis Tan.

“I served with blokes there who were in the Battle of Long Tan.

“I spent almost 23 years altogether because I started in the CMF (Army Reserves).”

Anzac Day is extra special for Mr Johnson as he celebrates his birthday on the day.

“It’s (Anzac Day) meant a lot more to me over the past couple of years, especially after serving in the second battalion. It’s made me more involved and a part of it,” he said.

St Edmund’s College senior student, Michael Tate, said he had always been inspired by the Anzac’s bravery and courage.

This led him to discover his own family connections to the war heroes.

St Edmund's College senior students Janck Dunne (left) and Michael Tate (right).

“On my father’s side, I discovered that my grandfather served in the Australian Imperial Force for several years and was awarded multiple medals for his bravery and service,” he said in his Anzac Day speech.

“On my mother’s side, I learned about my great uncle’s service in the 2nd Light Horse Regiment and his role in capturing the Turkish flag after the famous battle of Beersheba.

“The flag remains on display at the Australian War Memorial, a testament to his bravery and the sacrifice of all the Anzacs.”

“I am honoured to be part of a community that has been shaped by their courage and dedication.”

“We must continue to honour their memory and ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten.”