Anzac Day 2024: World War II veterans Fred and Norma Maguire’s ashes to be spread off Currumbin

World War II veterans Fred and Norma Maguire spent a lifetime together. Now they will be farewelled together in an emotional Anzac Day ceremony. THEIR INCREDIBLE STORY

World War II veterans Fred and Norma Maguire spent a lifetime together.

Now, 79 years after the guns fell silent, they will be laid to rest together on Thursday in the ocean off the Gold Coast.

Mr Maguire died five years ago at age 97 while his wife lived until the age of 102, passing away in 2023.

Nine members of their family will fulfil their wish of having their ashes scattered together off Currumbin’s Elephant Rock during the Anzac Day Dawn Service.

Their son, Ray Maguire said the service, already a highly emotional affair, will have extra meaning for him as his parents, along with other late veterans are laid to rest.

“I’m not known to be extremely emotional but it will have some extra meaning for us,” the 75-year-old said.

Ray Maguire and his sister Lesley Preston will be spreading the ashes of their World War II veteran parents, Norma and Fred Maguire at the Dawn Service at Currumbin on Anzac Day. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“Dad was in the navy and served in the Coral seat during the Pacific theatre while mum was in the army Signal Corp, based in Darwin.

“Neither of them spoke about it much, though it did come up a little.

“The family has always wanted to do this (for them) and I’ve been managing this event for 15 years now so I suggested we do it at Currumbin.”

Members of the Maguire family have travelled from across the country to attend the ceremony.

The ashes of the Maguires will be among many which will be carried aboard surf boats from Currumbin Vikings Surf Life Saving Club into ocean off Elephant Rock.

They will be scattered in the water as their names are read from the roll off honour during the Dawn Service, which is expected to be attended by more than 20,000 people.

Fred Maguire.

Norma Maguire.

Thursday’s commemorations will mark the 109th anniversary of Australia and New Zealand Army Corp (Anzac) forces landing at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915.

This year will also mark the 110th anniversary of the beginning of World War I.

The younger Mr Maguire has been one of the event’s managers since 2009 and said it had changed with the times.

“It’s quite a challenging event for all of us who are involved because the likes and needs of the younger defence personal are totally different from those who came before,” he said.

“It’s important but it’s also a challenge to get the balance right between the old and the new.

Last year: Club members hold oars for a symbolic burial at sea on April 25, 2023 in Currumbin, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

“We are seeing a changing of the guard and if you look at the guys who came out of World War II, they are thin on the ground now, as are those who served in Korea.

“You have to keep ahead of the times.”

Only a few thousand World War II veterans remain alive in Australia, with the numbers dwindling rapidly each year.

Few, if any are expected to attend Gold Coast services on Thursday.

Southport RSL president John Riebling said it was a time of transition as the numbers of World War II, Korea and Vietnam veterans continue to decline.

Younger veterans are coming to the fore as generations of older veterans pass away (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

“The older ones now are the Vietnam veterans but we have those veterans of the Gulf conflicts of Iraq, Afghanistan and those who served in East Timor who are paramount in our thoughts,” he said.

“This is a time of transitions from one era to the next but the whole theme of Anzac Day is the remembrance of everyone who went before, from the Australians and New Zealanders who stormed the beaches at Anzac Cove to the fellows who were in the Middle East.

“It is about remembering the sacrifices and it’s important to remember it is not just about those who went away to conflicts, it’s also our servicemen and women who have provided services to the public domestically in emergencies like flooding and cyclones.”