Anzac Day 2016 - in Bargara and Burnett Heads

This year we ventured up the road to Bundaberg and surrounds to commemorate Anzac Day.  Ken Graham lives up that way and is an old mate as he and David were in the Services together in the 1970's.

Currently Ken (KG) lives in Burnett Heads and involves himself in community life in many ways (The meetings are mostly held in the hotel).  As a highly regarded citizen and an ex-RAAFie he leads the local march on Anzac Day in Burnett Heads.  David joined them on this occasion and 'took his father's medal for a walk' as well.

For the Dawn Service we went into Bargara, a little seaside community on the outskirts of Bundaerg,
It was massively supported with 'thousands' of people attending.  Dave and KG marched with the servicemen and Ken also read the Oration.

The band leading the march

KG leading the ex-servicemen, Dave is pictured in the middle of the photo

The Navy cadets

The Army contingent

The Surf Life Savers as one of the many community groups marching

HMAS Yarra

HMAS Yarra was anchored offshore during the Bargara Service and with her lights on she provided a very nice backdrop for the commemoration.

Around daybreak and on the horizon KG is pictured citing the oration.

KG reading the oration

The RAAF put on the showiest display with various fly pasts and rolls ...

The WW11, aircraft Mustang flying overhead in the Fly Past

After the firing of 3 round salvo of 1901 Naval cannon, the laying of the wreaths ....

Most were fresh flowers but the school pupils  made their own wreaths in the art dept and they certainly stood out in a unique way.

Another contribution by the local schools was the making of all the poppy crosses which were on display.  These were being posted to the Flanders Fields cemetery to go on all the Australian servicemen graves.  A very touching local effort....

Poppy crosses on display beside the ANZAC memorial

After the Dawn Service, everyone was invited back to the local hotel for a complimentary breakfast.
Rum and milk, rum and ice and straight rum was also on offer.

Once stories had been swapped and embellished, the game of two-up commenced.   If nothing else the game is extremely social  and apparently one of the fairest games of chance about.

Before, during and after the throw ...

One of the fellows that travelled with us did quite well out of the game but as an onlooker, I noticed a Maori lass who was the NZ flag bearer and she was doing really well!

Around mid morning we returned to Burnett Heads whereby we rested up before the Afternoon service at the local park.

KG again led the local parade into the park.  The wind was playing havoc with hats, ties and blowing the wreaths around but it was a more relaxed venue.

KG and Dave (ex-military)  standing out because they had collar and ties

(Pity about the tie) but Dave and KG proudly displaying medals

The naval cadets accompanied by the Salvation Army did a great job in the ceremony.

Just for something different,  everyone adjourned to the hotel and our host stayed and stayed !

It was the 101st anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli and there is little doubt that the messages relating to obligation, respect and remembrance resonate with people of all ages ... look at the support!

Memorial for Tony

Unfortunately a very special friend of ours, Tony Wright passed away a couple of months ago.  He had the misfortune to have developed a very aggressive form of cancer that was detected too late in order for any treatment.  We hadn't seen Tone for awhile since he went to live down south in a little place called Koo Wee Rup (which is in the Gippsland area of Victoria.)

We first knew Tony back in the early days of 70's while we were living in the Territory.  He and Dave were especially good mates doing what fellows usually do -  fish, camp, fix cars, drink lots and have fun.  Anyway Tone was the sensible one in the relationship and often rescued Dave from many situations!  He was a great guy, very unselfish with his time and extremely generous in many ways.  There are many dear memories.

Rebecca, is Tony and Sue's daughter and her and our daughter Jodi were born around the same time and so were brought up together - school, camping trips etc.  Anyway Bec  and her Mum organised a memorial service to honour his life.  Dave and I joined family and friends over the weekend just past to farewell Tony.  Believe it or not it was good to catch up with a few folks and talk about the good times.

Rebecca and Sue (daughter and mother)

VALE TONY WRIGHT