Wreaths were laid on the Kingaroy cenotaph while the Roll of Honour was read from the rotunda
April 28, 2016
That first Anzac Day on April 25, 2015 established the Australian character and set the standard for all the soldiers, sailors and airmen who followed.
These are the words of Gulf War veteran Captain Raymond Saad, the guest speaker at Kingaroy’s Anzac Day commemoration on Monday.
He recalled that Australia was just 14 years old when the Gallipoli landing occurred and was yet to achieve an identity of its own.
However that all changed at Anzac Cove.
Capt Saad, who is based at HMAS Albatross at Nowra in NSW, also reminded the crowd of the “silent Anzac”, HMAS AE2.
AE2 was one of two submarines built in England in 1914 for the fledgling Royal Australian Navy.
In April 2015, she was the first submarine to get through the Dardanelles into the strategic Sea of Marmara, separating Turkey from Europe, proving that it could be done.
After being damaged by a torpedo, the AE2 was scuttled. All her crew escaped safely but were taken captive by the Turks. Four died while POWs.
Capt Saad also reminded the crowd of the important role that Kingaroy played during World War II, hosting at least eight squadrons at RAAF Kingaroy (Kingaroy Airport) as well as the No 3 Initial Training School.
He urged Australians to respect the legacy of the original Anzacs by “looking out for people who need a hand”.
“We need to carry the spirit of Anzac as we continue the task of building a better Australia,” he said.
Kingaroy-Memerambi RSL Sub-Branch president Don Davey with guest speaker Captain Raymond Saad, RAN and South Burnett mayor Keith Campbell … Captain Saad took the salute for the marchThe Kingaroy State High School choir sang the hymns “O God Our Help” and “Abide With Me” as well as leading the crowd in the National Anthem
Eri Carey performed the New Zealand National Anthem, “God Defend New Zealand”
Susan Dowideit-Reiger conducted the Kingaroy State High School choir
As well as playing the Last Post and Rouse, music teacher Matt Phillips conducted the Kingaroy State High School concert bandA large crowd gathered in Memorial Park for the commemoration with many taking advantage of the seating and marquees organised by the South Burnett Regional CouncilKingaroy-Memerambi RSL Sub-Branch president Don Davey lays a wreath on the cenotaphVietnam veteran John Campbell, from Kingaroy, with his grandson Aaron Campbell and Tanika Louis, from Murgon, at the Kingaroy Anzac Day observance
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Kingaroy Anzac Day Parade
The South Burnett Caledonian Pipes led the Kingaroy Anzac Day marchThe RSL, Queensland and Australia flags at the head of the marchThere was a strong contingent of veterans and family members in the marchVeterans who couldn’t march were carried in a mini-cavalcade of vehiclesFirefighters and police joined the marchThere was a strong contingent of schools … Kingaroy State SchoolKingaroy State High SchoolTaabinga State SchoolSt Mary’s Catholic CollegeSt John’s Lutheran SchoolCoolabunia State SchoolOther community groups included Kingaroy ScoutsKingaroy Girl GuidesKingaroy Adventurer ClubKingaroy Junior RedbacksKingaroy Kindergarten
Thanks for the pic of Vietnam veteran John Campbell, with his grandchildren. I had the absolute pleasure of serving alongside John at Phan Rang, South Vietnam in late 1969. I recall we both experienced Christmas in Vietnam that year, before I returned home in January 1970. John was, and remains, a true professional in every sense of the word.
Anne
Thanks for the pic of Vietnam veteran John Campbell, with his grandchildren. I had the absolute pleasure of serving alongside John at Phan Rang, South Vietnam in late 1969. I recall we both experienced Christmas in Vietnam that year, before I returned home in January 1970. John was, and remains, a true professional in every sense of the word.