Anzac Day: We remember them
Thousands of people turned out across the Redlands Coast today to honour the spirit of the Anzacs and to listen to the stories of the brave.
Redlands Coast
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Thousands turned out across the Redlands Coast this morning to honour the brave, to remember the fallen and to pay tribute to those who serve our nation.
Whether they were waving flags, standing quietly or holding the hands of those too young to yet know the true meaning of the march, Redlanders remembered.
They watched in awe as the FA-18F flew across the Coast just before 11am.
Then, led by the Venerable Denise Ferguson and Monsignor John R. Butler AM, prayers followed seeking peace for those who have died, those who have suffered, those who have been left behind and those who have served and are currently serving.
“May God give peace,” said Venerable Ferguson.
“The armed forces, family, friends and all those who pray for their safe return, may God give peace,” said Monsignor John Butler.
Group Captain Mark H Larter CSC then addressed the crowd.
“This year is the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy and notably the presence here today of Mr John Flint who is a veteran of these landings,” Captain Larter said.
“John is 95 years young but as a 20-year-old British commando he was on the first ship to land at Juno Beach on the 6th of June in 1944 - the scene of terrible tragedies.
“He is a Knight of the French Legion of Honour. It is the heroes like John Flint as well as those Anzacs that have gone that still guide and inspire us today.”
To a silent crowd, Captain Larter said “we are here to remember everyone who has served in the wars, conflicts and operations thorough Australian’s history and those individuals who have served and are currently serving in countries around the world”.
“Let us also spare a thought for families left behind during conflicts, families of the past and families of the present.”
“Today is a special day when we remember those brave men and women and their families who have suffered or continue to suffer through war or conflict ..... today is also a day of thanks and quiet reflection on what a wonderful safe and Lucky Country we live in.”
For Cleveland’s Jennifer Fonti today marked the first time her young son marched to the Cleveland War Memorial wearing his great-grandfather Maurice Kelly’s medal.
Mr Kelly fought at the Battle of El Alamein.
A family with a proud history of service, Ms Fonti said not only had her grandfather served but her grandmother as well.
Serving in communications during the Second World II, Ms Fonti’s grandmother Sheilah Kelly was integral in the operations that protected the nation.
Both Ms Fonti and her mother Gail Kelly wear Sheilah Kelly’s medals with enormous pride.
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