Truckie Wade Priestley creates online sensation after pulling up to pay his respects on Remembrance Day in Sydney

DOING what comes naturally has earned a Sydney truckie the respect of the nation and turned him into an overnight sensation on social media.

DOING what comes naturally has earned a truckie the respect of the nation and made him a viral sensation.

As the clock ticked towards 11am on Remembrance Day yesterday, driver Wade Priestley stopped his truck in a street in the Sydney suburb of Riverstone, got out of his vehicle and bowed his head in silence.

“It only takes a moment to stop and reflect and show your respect for those who gave their lives,” Mr Priestley, a former Army cadet, said.

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Sergeant Chris Flynn at the Riverstone Remembrance Day ceremony.

Mr Priestley, 30, of Albion Park, said as the road was blocked for a Remembrance ceremony, he decided to get out of his vehicle to honour those who had served.

“Normally I just have to pull over and spend my few minutes of reflection alone,” he said.

“I just got out of the truck to listen to the service. It was good to be able to pay my respects and listen to a bugler.”

The image posted on Rouse Hill Times Facebook last night had more than 30,000 likes by this morning and more than 1000 comments.

Veterans and the public at the Riverstone Schofields RSL Sub-branch ceremony.

“What a gorgeous soul, God bless you,” posted Tina Sciberras.

“This gave me goosebumps! True Aussie right there,” wrote Kate Rose

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Mr Priestley was shocked by the reaction on the site and posted his own comment: “Wow. Didn’t expect that. I was just happy to be able to be at a ceremony, normally I just have to pull over and spend my few minutes of reflection alone,” he said.

Wade Priestley observing the minute’s silence.

The Last Post is played at Riverstone Cenotaph.

“All the soldiers who sacrificed their lives, families and friends deserve the utmost respect. No matter the conflict, reasons or politics, our ADF personnel gave us what I cherish, and for that we should all be forever grateful.

“Plus I’m always happy to block traffic.”

The married father of one was driving a McColls Transport tanker to pick up raw milk from Windsor for delivery to Sydney when he stopped.

An army cadet for seven years, he has friends who have served in the military overseas.

“Yesterday I was thinking about the sacrifice of our forces and also the pain and suffering of veterans when they return,” he said.

Students from Mary Immaculate lay a wreath at the Riverstone Cenotaph on Tuesday.

Another man in high-vis workwear, was seen to stop his ute beside nearby Garfield Rd east, and stand to attention — a lone sentry — as 11am approached

“That is the heart and soul of Australia — right there — standing proudly in front of his truck — for exactly what this country is all about. God bless him and all who serve, and keep them safe,” wrote Tom Rilly.

Originally published as Truckie Wade Priestley creates online sensation after pulling up to pay his respects on Remembrance Day in Sydney