DIGGER LETS FLY
Remembrance Day flag snub ‘disgusting’
A LOCAL Digger has been left outraged over council seemingly snubbing veterans by lowering the Australian flag on Remembrance Day, replacing it with a Queensland State of Origin flag.
Ron Ashlin, who served 34 years in the Army and another five in the Reserves, said his initial shock was replaced by anger after seeing a Maroons flag at the big roundabout on Nathan Street and University Drive.
Mr Ashlin emailed deputy mayor Mark Molachino expressing his dismay over the apparent snubbing.
“I found it so disgusting that you allowed the State of
Origin flag to fly on Remembrance Day.
“That shows me just how much you don’t give a rats a--e about Defence Personnel who fought and died for our country under the ANF (Australian national flag),” Mr Ashlin wrote.
“Don’t try saying you care because if you did you wouldn’t have removed the ANF and allowed the State of Origin flag to fly.
“I spent 39 years in the Australian Army and this totally disgusts me how you could do this.”
In a reply email seen by the Townsville Bulletin Cr Molachino fired back at Mr Ashlin.
“I understand your frustration,” he said.
“I am a current serving RAAF Officer and have been for 20 years and have served in East Timor and Iraq so I think I can safely say I care about Defence.
“Even a cursory search would have shown you that before you sent me your tirade. I will give your concerns due consideration for next year.”
Mr Ashlin said Cr Molachino’s response was a “cop out” and proved a “lack of respect”.
“If he’d said he’d ensure it wouldn’t happen again I’d say fair enough but his response is not acceptable,” Mr Ashlin said.
“It was a total lack of respect for defence personnel and total lack of respect for all those that have fought and died for this country.
“I’m just so disappointed that this is what the Townsville City Council (TCC) thinks is acceptable in showing respect for veterans.”
Speaking to the Bulletin, Cr Molachino said the disgruntled Digger should have “checked his facts before firing from the hip”.
In a statement Townsville City Council said it had flown the flag, but lowered it after midday to raise the Maroons flag. “In commemoration and recognition of our Australian Defence Force community, and the sacrifices made by those who have died for Australia, Council flew the Australian national flag at peak until 10.30am,” statement read.
“It was then lowered to half-mast until after the minute of silence was observed as per the Australian Government flag protocol.
“After midday, Council staff then raised the Queensland Origin flag at the Nathan Street, University roundabout in acknowledgment of the game being played later that evening.
“The Australian national flag was flown across the city at numerous locations including ANZAC Park, the Jezzine Barracks, Alma Bay Park, Nathan Street, and the Council building at 103 Walker Street.” the the