ANZAC Day has been commemorated across the Sunshine Coast, with thousands of people attending more than 30 different services around the region.
“Today serves as a stark reminder of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep our nation safe and protect the freedoms that we are so lucky to have,” RSL Queensland state president Major General Stephen Day said.
“Whether you’re a parent who will be taking their child to their first ANZAC Day service, a grandparent sharing tales of service with the grandkids, or a friend reminiscing on memories shared with someone they served with, let this ANZAC Day be a day to ensure the service and sacrifices of our veterans are never forgotten.”
At Sunshine Beach State School, Don Drysdale has been playing his haunting bagpipe melodies for 15 consecutive years at the school’s ANZAC Day ceremony, a tradition deeply cherished and honoured by all.
The school’s ANZAC Day commemoration pays tribute to the courage and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand soldiers and veterans, with Mr Drysdale’s stirring performance marking the beginning of the solemn ceremony.
Reflecting on his longstanding connection with the school and the significance of ANZAC Day, Mr Drysdale expressed his pride in being part of the annual event.
“I learnt the pipes at 11 years of age and marched in parades in Terang, Victoria, from 12 years of age and then Tewantin since 1982, and also Cooroy and Eumundi for most of those years,” he said.
“One year I went to Gallipoli for ANZAC Day, where my grandfather and his brother fought.
“I have met people all over the world from piping and get a lot of joy from it.”
At Bli Bli, more than 500 people attended the 9am service, including many students from Good Samaritan Catholic College and Bli Bli State School.
The service was preceded by the town’s first ANZAC Day march, from Good Samaritan Catholic College along the Avenue of Honour to the new cenotaph.
Scroll through the gallery at the top of this story to see how ANZAC Day was commemorated right around the region. You can enlarge the images by clicking on them.
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