Remembrance Day marked at service at ANZAC Park in Townsville
Anzac Park was a sea of poppies, medals and floral wreaths today as Townsville came together to commemorate Remembrance Day and pay respects to fallen servicemen and women.
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Anzac Park was filled with a sea of poppies, medals, and floral wreaths on Monday morning as the Townsville community came together to commemorate Remembrance Day.
The solemn occasion paid tribute to fallen servicemen and women while marking the day the guns fell silent on the Western Front.
Among the attendees was 94-year-old Roy “Dutchy” Heaslip, possibly Townsville’s oldest veteran, who took time to remember those he has lost and shared memories.
The Vietnam veteran, who has not missed a Remembrance Day service in nearly 40 years, reflected on the day’s significance.
“I enjoy the company. We’ll be going back to RSL today and do what we always do; have a couple of beers,” he said.
“It’s always a great service (at ANZAC Park).”
The service drew members of the public, school groups, veteran associations, dignitaries, and representatives from council and parliament.
Keynote speaker Colonel Boniface Aruma delivered a powerful address, highlighting the profound personal and collective sacrifices made by those in military service.
“With service comes sacrifice, often with heavy cost physically, mentally or spiritually, and the cascading effects on the families and loved ones is in itself enduring,” Colonel Aruma said.
“Sacrifice for service in the face of the most demanding human endeavour by those who have gone before us not only leaves a legacy but stands to remind us of the ultimate sacrifice.”
President of the Townsville RSL Mosch said in his opening address the bravery of those who served has become the essence of the ANZAC spirit.
“For over a century, Australians have gathered on this day to honour the fallen and maintain their legacy across towns and cities,” he said.
“As we pause to remember, please consider our service men and service women who continue to do their duty near and far. We remember those who walked before them, who laid down their lives too soon, their dreams unfulfilled, their futures sacrificed.”
Mr Mosch said he also honoured those who returned home carrying the “lasting scars of their service” with some departing too soon, burdened by the trauma.
Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said in her speech that it was “deeply moving” to see the strength of the community gathered.
“It is a renewed commitment from us all that we will honour the lessons of history, to not only remember the events and battles but the men and women behind them to remember those who served and those who sacrificed in the hope that future generations will live in freedom and in peace,” she said.
Following the speeches, wreaths were laid while the Band of the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment played hymns before The Last Post played out and a minute’s silence was observed.
Federal Member for Herbert and veteran Phillip Thompson said Remembrance Day was an emotional occasion each year and took time to remember friends he'd lost in battle and in training and when returning home.
“It’s a tough day, but it’s a day that must happen and we must reflect on from World Wars all the way to recent conflicts,” he said.
Being the largest garrison city in Australia, Mr Thompson said it was important to talk and support each other on days like Remembrance Day.
“With many people here sharing stories and talking about the good old days and the friends that they have lost, the family members they have lost.”
Newly minted Assistant Minister for Community Safety, Defence Industry, Veterans and North Queensland Janelle Poole said while she has attended many services before, she was very proud to be in attendance with her new titles.
“With my ties with policing, we’ve always had a really strong connection between police and our ADF community. They are so tightly woven into the daily fabric of Townsville lifestyle,” she said.
“Supporting our veterans and our defence industry in such a strong and proud garrison city, it does mean so very much, and I’m so very proud.”
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Originally published as Remembrance Day marked at service at ANZAC Park in Townsville
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