Anzac Day 2025: What it means to Gold Coast veterans

Tens of thousands of Gold Coasters today will stand alongside veterans to commemorate those who served in wartime and those who never came home.

The mournful notes of The Last Post will echo over Currumbin beachfront on Friday morning as tens of thousands of Gold Coasters stand alongside veterans to commemorate those who served in wartime and those who never came home.

This year’s ceremonies will mark several key anniversaries – 110 years since Australian and New Zealand forces landed at Gallipoli, 80 years since the end of World War II and 50 years since the Vietnam War came to a close.

Among those attending will be Robina Vietnam veteran Peter Scott, 79, who was conscripted in 1968 and served overseas as a combat engineer from 1969-70.

He followed in the footsteps of his father, Sapper Frank Scott, who served in North Africa, the Middle East and Syria before becoming a prisoner of war of the Japanese, as well as his mother, RAAF Corporal Mavis Scott, who worked in codes and ciphers.

Vietnam veteran Peter Scott. Picture Glenn Hampson

Mr Scott said that while the older generations of veterans were growing smaller, he did not view Anzac Days a passing of the torch but rather a remembrance of all those who came before and those who are still serving.

“It’s a continuum, and we want to continue to be involved in efforts to keep Australia safe, we have always done that and we are not a country who wants to dominate others,” he said.

“I think our younger veterans need to be respected and thanked for their efforts and all the things they do.

“A lot of those from my era would like to see that emphasis on younger veterans because they have done a really good job.”

Mr Scott said he had fond memories of his time as an engineer and had returned to Vietnam many times in the years since his tour of duty.

“Myself and my comrades have been back many times and had very positive engagements with our former enemies,” he said.

“Thee guys we meet, we eat with them and drink beer with them.

“We forget the war and the politics, we’re just old soldiers with a mutual respect for each other.”

Bugler Adam Turner. Picture Glenn Hampson

Playing the bugle at this year’s ceremony will be Adam Turner, whose instrument was carried by his grandfather during World War II.

“It should be a decent turnout and I am lucky to have the opportunity to play the bugle and carry on the tradition.”

Veterans Suzanne Shipp and Cherisa Pearce. Picture Glenn Hampson

Also attending is retired Captain Suzanne Schipp from Palm Beach, who served 14 years as an engineer.

“It is a day of remembrance and it is a privilege to take time out and just reflect on the history of the Anzacs,” she said.

“For me, it is about family because my husband served, my son served, my husband’s family, my stepfather too.

“This year will be quite emotional as we last year buried my father in law at sea, so it will be a reflection on that moment.”