This year the sub-branch
commemorated the 61st Anniversary of the end of World War
II at our cenotaph in Burleigh Heads. The turnout of both
members and the general public was smaller this year for several
reasons.
Firstly, several major events were planned for just three
days later to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Battle
of Long Tan, which has been adopted nationally as Vietnam
Veterans' Day. Many of our Vietnam Vets had travelled to Canberra
(the national capital) for a huge government sponsored commemoration
service, some travelled to join with old units in other state
capitals, and there was a huge parade followed by concerts
and reunions in Brisbane. So the members who you see in the
photos of our VJ Day service consisted mainly of WW2 veterans.
Secondly, the streets surrounding Memorial Park where our
cenotaph is located are all torn up while huge drainage pipes
are beiing laid as part of a flood mitigation plan. This resulted
in many park entrances being blocked and car parking being
almost non-existant. So very few of the general public were
able to attend.
For those people and veterans who did attend, our President
Chris Keating conducted an excellent service and Father Pat
conducted the prayers and religious part of the service. Once
again the support of the Gold Coast City Council in the provision
of ample seating and a public address system was much appreciated,
as was the attendance of Councillor Greg Betts and MLA Christine
Smith. And once again, we all enjoyed the hospitality of the
Burleigh Bowls Club for refreshments afterwards.Lest
we forget
