A Sunshine Coast veteran is set to represent Australia at the Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Australian National Memorial in France.
Peter Kennedy was selected to attend the event at Villers-Bretonneux after a highly-competitive Department of Veterans’ Affairs process. He is one of only seven chosen from more than 800 expressions of interest nationwide.
“To stand at Villers-Bretonneux on Anzac Day, where Australian soldiers fought and sacrificed so much, is an incredible honour,” he said.
“I will carry the memory of those who served before us and the pride of our veteran community on the Sunshine Coast.”
Mr Kennedy said the opportunity was also about recognising the ongoing service of Australian veterans.
“Anzac Day is about remembering those who came before us, but it is also about looking after those who continue to serve and those who have served since,” he said.
“I’m proud to represent Australian veterans and honour their legacy at such an important place in our history.”
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace MP said the honour reflects Mr Kennedy’s decades of service to Australia and his ongoing commitment to supporting veterans and their families on the Sunshine Coast.
“Peter Kennedy has served our nation with distinction for more than three decades in the Royal Australian Air Force and continues to serve our community every single day,” he said.
“A retired Warrant Officer and C130 Loadmaster, Peter completed multiple deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan and East Timor, as well as humanitarian and disaster relief missions around the world.”
Mr Kennedy is president of Young Veterans Sunshine Coast, wellbeing officer at Beerwah RSL, a contributor to the Veterans’ Royal Commission process and founder of the Veteran Wellbeing Foundation, which provides practical support and connection for veterans transitioning to civilian life.
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Mr Wallace said Mr Kennedy’s selection was a fitting recognition of his service and leadership.
“Villers-Bretonneux holds a special place in Australia’s national story.”
“In April 1918, Australian troops recaptured the town from German forces during the Spring Offensive, in fierce fighting that coincided with the third anniversary of the Gallipoli landings.
“More than a century later, the people of Villers-Bretonneux still honour that sacrifice.”
