Thousands return to Townsville Anzac Day Dawn Services despite the rain
ROLLING COVERAGE: Thousands of residents showed their respect at Anzac Day services across the region this morning.
Townsville
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RESIDENTS turned out in thousands at Anzac Day across the region this morning to pay their respects.
The Townsville Bulletin is covering the day as local events return for 2021.
See photos and stories from the events throughout the day here.
ANZAC DAY PARADES
Townsville City and Thuringowa
Anzac Day marches have kicked off around the city this morning.
Residents have lined the streets at Thuringowa and The Strand as this year’s Anzac Day parades get into full swing.
Last year, the Garrison city’s residents were forced to remember Anzac Day from the end of their driveways due to strict COVID-19 restrictions.
After thousands of people turned out to Anzac Park for Townsville’s Dawn Service, record numbers of family, veterans and serving military personnel have lined The Strand for the city’s marching parade.
Led by some of the nation’s oldest living veterans, the march made its way for more than 3km down The Strand.
Brigadier Kahil Fegan said the march was “very special” considering the events of last year.
“To see so many people and such spirit in the community was an experience I will never forget”.
After the parade Herbert MP Phil Thompson said it was “one of the most special” Anzac Day’s he had attended.
Mr Thompson said it was wonderful to see crowds turn out in their thousands to thank veterans and the men and women who put on their uniform everyday while braving the weather and in the middle of a global pandemic.
“Everyone is walking up to veterans and soldiers to say thank you for your service,” Mr Thompson said.
“Today has been one of the highlights, if not the best day of the year for me.”
Townsville RSL Sub Branch Committee President Bill Whitburn said he wished more veterans who watched on from the sidelines had taken part in the march to be recognised and thanked for their service.
DAWN SERVICES
Townsville Dawn Service- Anzac Park
THOUSANDS of Townsville residents gathered in Anzac Park this morning to pay their respects this Anzac Day.
The occasion looks different to last year, where people were confined to the end of their driveways due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Mayor Jenny Hill and RSL Sub Branch President Bill Whitburn OAM led the service this morning at Anzac Park on The Strand.
Thousands of people attended despite the gloomy weather and threat of rain, with an estimated 15,000 people in attendance.
Mr Whitburn said it was “outstanding” to be able to mark the sacred day “face-to-face” and see so many residents come out in force.
“I was very heartened with the crowd here this morning and the support we get from Townsvillians is outstanding,” Mr Whitburn said.
Mayor Hill said it was a “magic” to be at Anzac Park this year and was thankful the rain had not kept people away.
More than 15,000 came out to Townsville’s #DawnService at Anzac Park. The city’s involvement in the centenary of the RAAF was front and centre and a moving rendition of Meet me In The Middle of the Air led the service â¦@tsv_bulletinâ© https://t.co/sZyGHnxXOEpic.twitter.com/EKwC0a2yMr
— Hugh Suffell (@SuffellHugh) April 24, 2021
“We are a military city and people feel a responsibility to come out and commemorate,” Cr Hill said.
As the sun broke through the clouds, Commander of the 3rd Brigade Brigadier Kahill Fegan said he was “surprised to see” so many people participating in the Dawn Service.
“It just reminded me of how lucky we are here in North Queensland,” Mr Fegan said.
Member for Herbert Phil Thompson said it was “an emotional day” as he reflected on Australia’s involvement in wars and those who have been killed or wounded in operations.
Today we pause to honour and reflect on the service and sacrifice of the brave men and women who have served, and currently serve, our country. We will remember them.
— Brig Kahlil Fegan (@3BrigadeTSV) April 24, 2021
Lest we forget. pic.twitter.com/G1outqwad6
Mr Thompson said it was fantastic to see so many people in Townsville brave the weather to pay their respects to the men and women who made Australia “how good it is”.
Mr Thompson said seeing the next generation get involved with school kids laying wreaths was the highlight of the morning.
Burdekin Dawn Service – Anzac Park
Many locals gathered at the Dawn Service at Anzac Park, Ayr for the 106th Anniversary of Anzac Day to celebrate our ex-servicemen and women.
A number of people who attended the service laid down wreaths in honour of the Anzacs.
These included President of the RSL, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, President of Legacy and POW Association, Ex Servicewoman and members of the Lorell Club, Navy Army and Air Force, Vietnam Veterans and other conflicts, National Servicemen’s Association, Peacekeepers and 31st Battalion.
Burdekin MP Dale Last, representatives from Burdekin Shire Council, Queensland Police Service, Queensland Ambulance Service and nurses representing the Ayr Hospital also laid wreaths.
The Ayr Parade will happen at 9am, followed by an Ayr Service at 9:20am.
Charters Towers
Wet weather was no deterrent to the hundreds who turned up for the Anzac Day Dawn Service in Charters Towers this morning.
Locals who had missed the opportunity to come together in 2020 were determined to attend the event.
RSL sub branch president Andrew Jensen commended all those who attended and said our nation’s armed services will never be forgotten.
“Our armed services have always courageously defended our nation and as a way of saying thank you I urge you and encourage you to place our service men and women at the front of your thoughts this Anzac Day. Lest We Forget,” Mr Jensen said.
Originally published as Thousands return to Townsville Anzac Day Dawn Services despite the rain
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