Redcliffe’s Anzac Day services will centre around the Afghanistan conflict and Operation Slipper

A major Anzac Day service, which attracts 40,000 people will focus this year’s services on those who served in Afghanistan, in particular Operation Slipper.

Cheryl Barrett and Damien Mansfield, 16, during the Redcliffe Cemetery Service organised on Sunday, April 14. Picture: AAP /Regi Varghese

As the sun rises on Thursday, tens of thousands will be standing, heads bowed at Redcliffe’s Anzac Place.

This year’s dawn and midmorning services will focus on those who served in Afghanistan, in particular Operation Slipper.

Redcliffe RSL sub-branch vice president Cheryl Barrett said many of these younger veterans were members of or affiliated with their branch.

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There will be a special tribute to the Victoria Cross recipients and the 41 soldiers killed in action during the conflict.

“There are so many beautiful young people who are no longer with us,” Mrs Barrett said.

“It is a chance to acknowledge what they have done for us and how important they are to us.”

Rupert McCall will once again read a poem at the dawn service.

SERVICE TIMES

Redcliffe

■ Dawn service: 5.30am, Anzac Place, Redcliffe

■ Midmorning service: 10.30am, at Anzac Place Redcliffe

Deception Bay

■ Dawn service: 6am, Deception Bay War Memorial, Ewart St

Woody Point

■ Morning service: 8.30am at Community Centre on the corner of Hornibrook Esplanade and Oxley Ave

Mueller College’s school captains will also make mention of the conflict in their address at the midmorning service.

There will be a march at both the dawn and midmorning services.

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Redcliffe Salvation Army Major Keith Hampton, pictured at the poppy service, has set up a community marching band for Anzac Day. AAP /Regi Varghese

Mrs Barrett said the community marching band, set up by Redcliffe Salvation Army Major Keith Hampton, would lead the midmorning march for the first time.

She said more than 50 people were expected to lay a wreath at the midmorning service.

There will be a chance for community members and veterans to catch up at the Gunfire Breakfast, in the Redcliffe RSL after the dawn service. Breakfast is free for servicemen and women, and just a gold coin donation to Legacy for all others.

Two-up will be played from noon, on the grassy area adjacent the RSL.