I just want to let anyone who is interested know that the ANZAC Day Parade in Brisbane this year will be starting at 9.30am not 10am as in previous years. There seems to be a few vets who use this site so if they plan on marching in Brisbane ( or just going along to watch ) they need to be aware. I don't know about other capital cities so if you are in other states I would suggest you contact your association or RSL to find out their timings.
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while I don't want to deny or disparage Vets the honour and pride of ANZAC Day, its a pity the Federal govt is spending $312M on the centenary this year whilst depriving so many living Vets of basic medical care and living expenses - particularly those mentally and physically injured. How about still going all out this year to remember all the living and dead who served us so well, but boosting the spending on the poor buggers who are still around but seem to have been forgotten by both govts and the public on any day other than ANZAC Day.......look at the recent bun fight that went on with wage and off shore expenses payments for those still serving.
And no, this is not a political argument as successive parties when in power are equally to blame.
On a positive note it is good to see so many young people turn out to these parades who don't have relatives involved - just to say "thank you" and acknowledge these men and women who were and are in the various Services
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Cheers Bruce
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while I don't want to deny or disparage Vets the honour and pride of ANZAC Day, its a pity the Federal govt is spending $312M on the centenary this year whilst depriving so many living Vets of basic medical care and living expenses - particularly those mentally and physically injured. How about still going all out this year to remember all the living and dead who served us so well, but boosting the spending on the poor buggers who are still around but seem to have been forgotten by both govts and the public on any day other than ANZAC Day.......look at the recent bun fight that went on with wage and off shore expenses payments for those still serving.
And no, this is not a political argument as successive parties when in power are equally to blame.
On a positive note it is good to see so many young people turn out to these parades who don't have relatives involved - just to say "thank you" and acknowledge these men and women who were and are in the various Services
B and B, I have marched in a lot of ANZAC day parades in a lot of places from the age of 17 when I joined the RAAF. The first time I saw a "thank you" sign held by a young person bought me to tears (I was leading a brass band at that time). Up until last year I continued to march with my band.. The signs became more prolific as the message went out. I cant march anymore due to arthritis but I still see those signs on TV, bless those little kids and the folks who teach them the ANZAC message.
It does my heart good to see these little ones remembering those who served both in and out of conflict.
As far as your other comments go, and me being a vet... well you said it all..
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Phil C for the past 6 years I have been a volunteer buggy driver in Brisbanes city march( not driving this year though as I have a new roll to play for the parade ) . We introduced the golf buggys as a means for people like yourself who cannot walk the distance of the parade but still want to participate. It was amazing driving the old veterans as they told me of their experiences.The 1st year I did it I was nearly bought to tears by the number of people holding up thank you signs along with the number of young children in the crowd. As the years have past the number of spectators has grown along with the number of signs and the number of people calling out their thanks. This year in Brisbane we will be handing out booklets to the children telling the story of the ANZACs ( apparently we have 20,000 to give out travel into the city)
Most people enjoy a sleep in on their birthday but not me.... I am honoured to be up before 5am and travel into the city so I can drive for these people and thank them for what they have done for this country allowing us to live in freedom
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Thanks Jackie, your contribution to our vets is admirable.
We are living in regional SA at the moment and the smaller town parades dont have that facility, however I will watch TV and share a beer when I get down to my RSL.
Thanks again Jackie from all of us.
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Ex RAAF, now retired. EX Electrician/Teacher.
Homebase is Murray Bridge Tourist Park (in a cabin). New Horse.. 2020 Ford Everest Titanium, Jayco swan for touring.
Whilst I honour the fallen and the return service men and women of all conflicts, this year for the first time in many years, I am adament that I we attend the Brisbane dawn service and then hang around for the street parade.
For it is with the sacrifices that our Aussies men and women gave to us that allows me to life in a great county.
As the song goes.
I will always " Call Australia"
God bless the ANZAC of all conflicts
Jay&Dee
In some ways I do agree with Bruce and Bev. I know this year is the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landing and the story goes on. Unfortunately quite a few mates and myself included feel that ANZAC Day this year has been so commercialised it has lost a lot of its depth of meaning.
And before anyone jumps on me let me state my Grand father and two of his brothers served at Gallipoli one was killed on 25 April 1915. Also my Grand Mothers brother served at Gallipoli. They all came from a little town on the West Coast of Tasmania called Waratah.
My father and several uncles served in the Second World War. My father served in The Middle East and New Guinea, where he lost his heel. I did two tours of Vietnam. I am extremely proud of the service and contribution of my relatives and of my contribution. This year like most other years a few good mates will get together and do the same as we do every year, have a few beers, tell a few lies and remember our mates who are no longer here and have a few beers.
Lest We Forget.
For many years Pete (Vietnam Vet) would not March, however since attending a few platoon reunions since 2005, he has attended the dawn services and marched, but a few years ago we decided that we would hitch up the van and take off for a little country town somewhere and, even by one, bottle their ANZAC Day celebrations. Last year we had a week at Esk in SE Qld - first going to the diggers race meeting at Kilcoy races the day before, then next day, the Dawn Service, and then their March - what a wonderful time e we had.
This year will be a little different as Pete wanted to take part in the celebrations in Canberra, with his son marching with him wearing his grandfather's medals. Sadly Pete never got to March with his father. Me? I will be eligible to march with the relatives of ANZACS, but as I feel my place is to support Peter, that is where I shall be.
And next year, we shall go find another little country town to visit for ANZAC Day.
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