Thousands turned out as Anzac Day commemorations made an uplifting return on the Sunshine Coast.
After last year’s subdued and private tributes, our veterans were once again able to be celebrated in a series of public events held in brilliant sunshine.
The courage of those who served their country was honoured during the Maroochy RSL commemorations.
Maroochy RSL president and veteran, Michael Liddelow said as ANZAC Day events were cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic, this year’s events were particularly special for the community to come together and pay their respects.
“ANZAC Day is an emotional and reflective day where we stop to honour those who fought for our country — and in some cases made the ultimate sacrifice — which in turn, provided us with the many freedoms we enjoy today,” Mr Liddelow said.
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“With nearly 5000 veterans living on the Sunshine Coast — ranging in age from in their 20s to 100 years old — this day is a great opportunity to show them the unwavering support and gratitude they have from their community.
“And it is not only our veterans who are recognised on ANZAC Day, but also the great contribution our existing serving personnel have made, and are continuing to make to our country every day.”
One veteran who attended this year’s commemorations was Maroochydore local, 29-year-old Scott Gray who served in the Australian Army for eight years, including an assignment in Afghanistan in 2018.
“To me, ANZAC Day is a proud day. A day where we can gather together to remember and pay our respects to those who fought and made sacrifices for our country – in particular, those that didn’t come home,” Mr Gray said.
“All those who have served, and continue to serve, put everything on the line day in and day out and ANZAC Day allows us the opportunity to acknowledge that.
“I would like to see the awareness of, and the importance of ANZAC Day to continue throughout the generations.”
At 98, Bill White was thrilled to be part of the ANZAC Day commemorations, laying not one, but two wreaths as he took the opportunity to reflect — something which veterans were denied in 2020.
As the number of World War II veterans continues to decrease, they are now tasked with laying multiple wreaths at the annual service, which is a confronting reminder of the number of years that have passed since these brave soldiers fought to protect the freedom of all Australians.
Mr White is a World War II Navy veteran who served for over seven years as a wireless operator responsible for coding throughout the Coral Sea, Burma, Japan and Europe.
“I signed up at the age of 17 and was discharged in 1946 due to ill health – much like everyone else, I suffered from malaria and dengue fever, however at that point I also think my mental and physical health had been through enough,” Mr White said.
It was an eight-year-old Bill who was taken by his father to one of Australia’s first ANZAC Day dawn services in 1930 in their home town of Cottesloe Beach, Western Australia.
“My father had fought in World War I and at the time I didn’t fully understand the importance of the day,” he said.
“He was adamant that we attend but at that age it was hard to comprehend the full extent of what dad had been through.
“Over the years, the significance of ANZAC Day has changed quite a bit for me. Obviously after I had served it was a tough day for me and many of my fellow compatriots.”
“Now I attend ANZAC Day and realise the importance of educating our younger generations. It’s about teaching our young ones about the history, but more importantly respecting the sacrifices that have been made and continue being made for our country and the freedom we enjoy.”
Mr White has lived on the Sunshine Coast for 45 years and attributes being ‘98 years young’ to keeping active.
“I have always played golf and kept myself busy and even now I still go to gym every week to keep mobile.”
“I have Suncare Community Services come in and assist with some pruning in my garden, but I still mow my lawn and cook most of my own meals.”
Sunshine Coast News was there to cover events at Maroochydore, Caloundra and Coolum.
Hundreds of people gathered on the lawn at Coolum-Peregian RSL Branch, where Coolum State High School captains Ethan Irvine and Charlotte Luck expressed special gratitude to young soldiers who fought and died.
Coolum State Primary and Coolum State High provided music and songs, and youngster Jackson Budd played The Last Post.
See our Sunshine Coast News photo gallery below.
