Anzac Day enriched by so many displays of kindness

DURING our current circumstances, events such as this do bring out the best in people.

And Anzac Day for so many is very special.

My 90-year-old mother, a war widow, who on this day represents my father and grandfather, veterans of WWII and her 89year-old partner a veteran peacekeeper of the Korean War.

It was a challenge to make it as memorable a day and mark respect for those fallen.

With the aid of a friend we Facetimed the raising of the flag, the Ode and The Last Post here in

Main Beach whilst they stood on their driveway in Broadbeach with my nephew.

Enroute over to Broadbeach, I was so proud to see so many inspiring contributions to the day and truly would like to thank so many:

● The young 10-year-old playing

The Last Post in Peak Ave, Main Beach to those residents.

● Those in Charlton Tce for their street homage and touching street art.

● And to the gracious owner of No Name Lane coffee house whose generosity and service to our country made my parents’ day by providing a free coffee and breakfast.

To their delight one of your

Gold Coast Bulletin photographers took their photo dressed in medals. All of this done for compassionate reasons and with social distancing.

It is also heartfelt to mention that America does have a wonderful tradition to show respect to veterans by saying to those who have served “Thank you for your service”.

It’s a tradition I have adopted and find those who you say this to are so grateful and moved. All of these touching stories I heard throughout the day.

Do show our spirit and determination to come together regardless of what adversities we are enduring and again I would like to say THANK YOU to all those who made such a wonderful effort for all past and present serving, including the ones we fail to acknowledge, as my mother reminded me (horses, mules, carrier birds, service dogs who were left behind).

MELISSA RICH, MAIN BEACH