ANZAC Day 2013
Rainbow Beach
It was Ray Cowley’s first Anzac Day service as the new President of Rainbow Beach RSL, approximately 300 people assembled at the Cenotaph, followed by a very busy Gunfire Breakfast at the Rainbow Beach Surf Club.
Ten o’clock saw more action as the traditional March progressed from the Rainbow Beach Hall to the cenotaph. Led by school leaders Emily Brantz and Cody Hethorn – the streets was lined with onlookers and kids waving Aussie flags.
Chaplain Bruce Dorman gave blessing and prayers for peace and for those who “waited in vain” for loved ones to return. Guest Speaker Flight Lieutenant Westphal, No. 1 Squadron, reminded us that “Freedom only survives as long as we defend it” and that we are here “not to glorify war, but to remember who we are and the freedom we possess”.
It was such a beautiful morning, shade was sought by spectators as they watched the service. Once again, the crowd enjoyed the School Choir performance, led by Mrs Cherie Mason. Amy Pinkerton won the Rainbow Beach State School Anzac essay and gave a polished recitation of her well written piece. Just as the Laying of the Wreaths began, all were treated with the F/A-18F Super Hornet flypast. Before the dismissal, Rainbow Beach spectators were fortunate to hear the stirring Last Post by Bugler Jamie Lee Griffiths.
Refreshments were provided by the Surf Club for veterans and invited guests. A Legacy Lunch was held for Veterans, Wives and War Widows at Rainbow Beach Sports Recreation and Memorial Club.
Cooloola Cove
The Cooloola Cove ANZAC Day service was held at the Memorial, at the Vietnam Veterans’ Hall, led by Cooloola Cove RSL President Terry Murphy. The Dawn Service had a 5.30am start followed by a Gunfire Breakfast. The service was well represented with representatives from Cooloola Coast Vietnam Veterans, Coastguard and neighbouring schools. Federal Member for Wide Bay, Mr Warren Truss and local councillor, Mark McDonald was also in attendance.
Tin Can Bay
By Steven Campbell
The Anzac name came from the First World War, from Major General William Birdwood’s staff and then was used by signal men who refer to the Australian New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). Anzac day is a National day to remember the men and women who served in services around the world. The men and women of Tin Can Bay marched as one, as they did when they first started their military services for their country. The Tin Can Bay dawn service was held on Thursday 25 April 2013 and took place overlooking the foreshore of Tin Can Bay. It has been 26 years since the first wreath was laid in honour of the fallen. Over 200 people attended the services – people of all ages and Nationalities. Tin Can Bay was represented by the three armed services Army, Navy and Air Force and the day was filled with food, song and remembrance of past mates and loved ones.
The Tin Can Bay church choir did their rendition of Abide With Me as well as Banner of the Cross. All who attended did their own rendition of the Australian and New Zealand national anthems. The school choir were in fine voice as well as giving voice to the grade 5 poems. The dignitaries who attended the services were Warren Truss MP, Captain Paul Smedley, Corporal Blame Askew and RSL President Maureen Costello. David Grice who had served three tours of Vietnam on HAMS Sydney air craft carrier said “Anzac day is the one day I like to spare a thought for those men and women who fought in the first and second world wars”.
For more photos of the Anzac Day events, including the Legacy lunch please visit the facebook page.
Amanda Simpson from the Yandina Cadets 128 at Cooloola Cove’s Dawn Service
