Thousands pause to remember the fallen

As services were held across the region in honour of Remembrance Day, thousands of people came to pay their respects to those who have fought in all wars and conflicts to keep our country safe.

At Anzac Place in Redcliffe, more than 500 people paused at 11am for a minute’s silence after the Bugler played the Last Post.

Redcliffe RSL President Neville Cullen dedicated today’s service to the brave men and woman who have been involved in Peacekeeping missions.

“Today we gather to celebrate the Armistice on the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month in 1918 that ended the Great War, or as we know it now, World War I,” he said.

“We commemorate the loss of all Australian lives in all wars, conflicts and peace operations that Australia has been involved with, even those occurring before World War I.

“This year we commemorated two significant anniversaries, the first one being the 50^th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War, which was included in our commemoration for Vietnam Veterans Day on August 18, as well as the 75^th anniversary of the Australian Peacekeeping Peacemakers, held on September 14.

“Redcliffe RSL dedicates this Remembrance Day to our Australian Peacekeepers and Peacemakers.

“It was on September 14, 1947 that Australia become the world’s first Peacekeepers to be deployed into the field with four observers representing each of the Australian Defence Forces.

“The mission helped Indonesia gain independence from the Netherlands and marked the start of the United Nations Peacekeeping.

“Australia has had Peacekeepers in the field ever since then.

“Tens of thousands of Australians have served in Peacekeeping roles. Tragically 16 Australians have died while serving on these operations, including military and police personnel.”

As representatives from the Redcliffe RSL, dignitaries and members of the public came to lay their wreaths at the Cenotaph, two airplanes did a surprise flyover.

To conclude this morning’s ceremony, Neville presented several awards to local people and community groups, including the Dan Kerrigan VC Remembrance Day Award.

“Dan Kerrigan VC is a patron of the Redcliffe RSL. Dan has been associated with us for many years, and since his association with us, we have implemented this award which goes to people who I believe have given outstanding service,” Neville said.

“Today’s recipient is Mark Robinson. He is the Secretary of the Redcliffe RSL, and he is also an advocate in our advocacy unit.

“Congratulations Mark.”

In addition, Neville also handed out cheques to the Ye Old Brass RSL Memorial Band, Scottish Pipe Band, the Salvation Army Redcliffe and Moreton Bay Volunteer First Aid to thank them for their support.

Neville also recognised the Australian Red Cross and the State Emergency Service, and will financially help them in other ways.

See more photos from the Redcliffe RSL service in the gallery below.

Caboolture Service

Several hundred people gathered in Caboolture Town Square this morning to pay tribute to the fallen in a service hosted by Caboolture-Morayfield RSL.

After emotional addresses at the start of the ceremony, Father George Cuffe led the singing of Amazing Grace and Prayer for the Fallen.

Wreaths we laid by local organisations, services and individuals before the Ode and reading of In Flanders Field, written by John McRae in 1915.

After the Last Post, a minute's silence was impeccably observed, followed by the National Anthem and closing address.

Attention after the service centred on a HG Holden Premier which has been loving restored over a number of years by Elimbah man Des Fiedler.

The artwork was provided by Aden Jacobi, well known in the area for Aden's Art, who used images from both world wars and other conflicts.

Mr Fielder plans to take the vehicle to Anzac Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies around the area as a further tribute to those who lost their lives in conflict.