Gallery: ADF personnel crowd into Hotel Darwin for 2024 Anzac Day game of two-up
The NT’s ADF personnel as well as international visitors filled out local pubs to celebrate and honour Anzac Day, with plenty of two-up action on the cards. SEE THE PHOTOS AND VIDEO.
Northern Territory
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ADF personnel and Territorians alike crowded the pubs on Anzac Day celebrating the day of remembrance by coming together, and by playing a spot of two-up too.
Navy uniforms were particularly apparent in the Hotel Darwin, which had been open from the early hours and still going large into the afternoon.
Money was exchanged, beer was poured and plenty of cheering was had as service men and women took their turns stepping up to the mark.
Lieutenant commander Anthea Baczkowski said Darwin was particularly packed with ADF personnel because of the arrival of HMAS Adelaide.
“It’s been great, particularly because we’ve had HMAS Adelaide in town and that’s really boosted the navy numbers, which is fantastic,” she said.
“Anzac Day is a chance to reflect on the previous generation and also the current serving generation and there’s a real sense of camaraderie and a sense of pride.”
Jack Mendillo has been on deployment from Westport, Connecticut in the United States for the past month and a half.
He said the day was a great chance to get to know his Australian allies on a one-on-one level.
“It’s just an overall phenomenal day of hospitality on behalf of the Australians, they’ve welcomed us with such open arms and that’s a real testament to our bond,” he said.
“The host put on some playoff hockey for us, which we North Americans welcomed a lot, but it’s been great to find what we have in common with the Aussies on a one-on-one level.”
Lenny Crouts was also in the action at the popular Top End establishment and said it was brilliant to see such large numbers of personnel come out to mark the day previous generations had fought and died for.
“It’s a day about remembrance and celebrate the life we have with the freedoms given to us by the soldiers and veterans who came before us,” he said.
“If they hadn’t given their lives, served and defended our country we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
ALL THE PHOTOS
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