Southern Downs Regional Council
Southern Downs Regional Council
04/19/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/18/2024 23:47
Anzac Day: A time to remember and reflect
19 April 2024
On 25 April each year, the nation pauses to remember the legacy of the brave Australians who served and those who currently serve in Australia's armed forces.
Southern Downs Regional Council is honoured to support a number of commemorative services and events across the region and a full list is available on Council's Facebook page.
Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton paid tribute to the long history of service men and women who made Southern Downs their home and who valued a community that supported them.
"Anzac Day is a day of reflection, remembrance and respect for the men and women who have served and continue to serve our nation with courage and selflessness," Mayor Hamilton said.
"Across the Southern Downs, commemorative services will take place, uniting our communities in shared remembrance, and my fellow Councillors and I are honoured to attend services throughout the day.
"On Thursday 25 April, I encourage the community to attend one of the commemorative services across the Southern Downs to remember those who have served in Australia's armed forces.
"We should always remember that if we are to truly honour our veterans, we owe them something more than just gratitude. Just as they stepped up for us, we must step up for them in providing the community support that they need."
Southern Downs Councillor Joel Richters served in the Australian Regular and Reserve Army from 2005 - 2021 and said our defence members carry with them the spirit of the ANZACs and the thanks of a grateful nation.
"Sailors, soldiers, air men and women for over a century have answered the call to defend our nation and each of them are owed a great debt of gratitude," Mr Richters said.
"For many young and old ex-service men and women, Anzac Day will always hold special place in their soul. It will also bring back reminders of brasso and starch spray under a hot iron. The smell of boot polish and the inability to sit after donning your uniform out of fear of wrinkles.
"But the reality of war and the sacrifices of service is what will be on their minds as they gather in crowds or stand guard at a cenotaph. Regardless of where someone served, whether it was in peace time or during conflicts, the price of service is great."
On 25 April each year, the nation pauses to remember the legacy of the brave Australians who served and those who currently serve in Australia's armed forces.
Southern Downs Regional Council is honoured to support a number of commemorative services and events across the region and a full list is available on Council's Facebook page.
Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton paid tribute to the long history of service men and women who made Southern Downs their home and who valued a community that supported them.
"Anzac Day is a day of reflection, remembrance and respect for the men and women who have served and continue to serve our nation with courage and selflessness," Mayor Hamilton said.
"Across the Southern Downs, commemorative services will take place, uniting our communities in shared remembrance, and my fellow Councillors and I are honoured to attend services throughout the day.
"On Thursday 25 April, I encourage the community to attend one of the commemorative services across the Southern Downs to remember those who have served in Australia's armed forces.
"We should always remember that if we are to truly honour our veterans, we owe them something more than just gratitude. Just as they stepped up for us, we must step up for them in providing the community support that they need."
Southern Downs Councillor Joel Richters served in the Australian Regular and Reserve Army from 2005 - 2021 and said our defence members carry with them the spirit of the ANZACs and the thanks of a grateful nation.
"Sailors, soldiers, air men and women for over a century have answered the call to defend our nation and each of them are owed a great debt of gratitude," Mr Richters said.
"For many young and old ex-service men and women, Anzac Day will always hold special place in their soul. It will also bring back reminders of brasso and starch spray under a hot iron. The smell of boot polish and the inability to sit after donning your uniform out of fear of wrinkles.
"But the reality of war and the sacrifices of service is what will be on their minds as they gather in crowds or stand guard at a cenotaph. Regardless of where someone served, whether it was in peace time or during conflicts, the price of service is great."
Last edited date 19 Apr 2024