Big crowd attends the return of the Anzac Day Dawn Service in Toowoomba
The Dawn Service was back, the Harlaxton RSL Brass Band was back and so was Eddie Kemp playing the Last Post.
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It was as if the dreaded COVID year never existed as crowds flocked to the return of the Anzac Day Dawn Service in Toowoomba.
Mothers’ Memorial Park welcomed arguably the biggest ever Dawn Service crowd as thousands braved a chilly but calm morning to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we Australians could have the life we have today.
After Anzac Day services were cancelled last year, everyone seemed overwhelmed to have Anzac Day services back.
The Harlaxton RSL Brass Band was back, the Anne Thomas Ensemble leading the throng singing In Flanders Field was back, and Eddie Kemp was back to play The Last Post.
“I’ve been playing it (at Anzac Day services) since 1966,” Mr Kemp said after the service.
“Last year, I played it from a veranda near St Mary’s College and I think there was the school principal, one other and me.
“It’s good to be back here (Mothers’ Memorial) with so many people.”
Veteran Graeme Hunter, who prefers to be referred to as his motorcycle riding name of Billy Blogs, was pleased to be back marching at the dawn service.
“I did the driveway thing last year, I arranged my own Anzac Day ceremony in the driveway,” he said.
“I feel for the guys in Perth at the moment, to have their Anzac Day cancelled.
“At least we can still do it here.
“I’m not happy about Melbourne having 80,000 at the footy but only 10,000 for the Anzac Day march.
“I know which one should take precedence.”
Stephen Wheeler, who served in Afghanistan, attended the service with his family.
“It’s always good,” he said of the Anzac Day ceremonies.
“This is a good country, a good place to call home.”
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