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.
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| The band leading the march |
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| KG leading the ex-servicemen, Dave is pictured in the middle of the photo |
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| The Navy cadets |
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| The Army contingent |
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| The Surf Life Savers as one of the many community groups marching |
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| 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.
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| KG reading the oration |
The RAAF put on the showiest display with various fly pasts and rolls ...
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| The WW11, aircraft Mustang flying overhead in the Fly Past |
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....
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| Poppy crosses on display beside the ANZAC memorial |
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.
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| KG and Dave (ex-military) standing out because they had collar and ties |
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| (Pity about the tie) but Dave and KG proudly displaying medals |
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| 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!
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