ANZAC Day 2014

We got up at Sparrow's for the dawn service at the Bellbowrie Cenotaph, it was a beautiful still morning, about 15 degrees celcius, quite a lovely Autumnal morning for us southern types, a pair of shorts and a light jacket kept us comfortable. True Blue Queenslanders on the other hand were freezing, teeth chattering and wearing coats, how would they cope with a Ballarat dawn service?

Sunrise over the Brisbane River

Bellbowrie Cenotaph

After the dawn service the girls marched in the Kenmore ANZAC parade, all the schools in the district were represented in large numbers, along with scouts, guides and the remaining servicemen. The crowd provided them with generous applause. The march was followed by another ANZAC service at the Kenmore "Digger" who is in fact a Lighthorseman not a Digger.

Rosie

Emily

 The march was led by mounted Police, I believe the number of school kids surprised organisers as they struggled to fit all those that marched into the area set aside for them at the ceremony. This resulted in some small pauses in the march while they mustered the participants.

Kenmore RSL members

RAAF Veteran

Mounted Police

The ANZAC service that followed the march was attended by a large crowd. The service was conducted by the Kenmore State High School Captain and the young lady did a wonderful job. An army Lieutenant, who looked no older than 20 gave a short address, which included the story of a young soldier who fought and died in Afghanistan at the age of 21. The list of casualties from the war in Afghanistan makes for harrowing reading.

What stories hide behind those eyes

Veteran laying a wreath

Pullenvale kids laying a wreath

The Kenmore "Digger"

I have been reading up on stories in the last few weeks related to ANZAC and armed service. I read of Captain Reginald Saunders, I was again reminded of a video made by the Ballarat RSL about a brave man called Bull Allen, who was remembered in a video that I recommend you spend 10 minutes watching. Many many stories abound about acts of valor and bravery, of servicemen and women making the ultimate sacrifice and may we and future generations prove worthy of that sacrifice.

Lest We Forget.