Sacrifice unforgotten by next generations
TROPICAL heat could not wilt the spirit at the Cairns centennial Remembrance Day service.
Crowds braved the November humidity to honour the fallen of World War I.
Against heavy clouds, soldiers from the 51st Battalion, the Far North Queensland Regiment mounted guard at the Cairns Cenotaph.
“We meet today at the 100th anniversary of the Armistice,” Colonel John Patterson (ret) said.
“A day that was met with unbridled joy at the end of the horror, but also a deep sadness for the loss of so many.
“Over the years, this day has expanded to mourn the deaths and honour the lives of those men and women lost in conflict since 1945.
“On this 100th anniversary, what did this mean to Australia?
“Of a population of just under 5 million, 417,000 enlisted – or 8½ per cent of the population.
“Of those, 62,000 lost their lives and another 156,000 were wounded.
“These are big numbers and it is hard to make sense of it all; it is just under 300 killed every week. It is staggering to contemplate.”
After the ode by Cairns RSL sub branch’s Edmund “Buster” Todd, veterans, family of past servicemen and those who came to honour the fallen stood with heads bowed for two minutes.
With the sounding of a bugler’s reveille, flags that had hung at half mast were raised to the pealing of bells.
“This was a remembrance of those who served in the past, that their sacrifice made this country what it is today,” Mr Todd said.
Afghanistan veteran and RSL sub-branch director Rob Lee said those in uniform looked at the 1918 legacy as an example to follow.
“We look at those who served and want to emulate their contribution and fighting spirit,” Mr Lee said.