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Dateline - August 15, 2007
VP Day service at the Burleigh Heads War Memorial Park Cenotaph by the Burleigh Heads RSL

  The 2007 "Victory in the Pacific" commemoration service held at Burleigh Heads Memorial Park on Wednesday the 15th August was very well attended. Many Sub-Branch members were in attendance with many visitors, we were fortunate to have two Ex-POW members present, Harry Nesbitt, OAM and Ken Gaulton, many Sub-Branch World War Two veterans, Veterans from Korea, Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam and other ex-service members. Considering the ages of the WW2 Veterans it was wonderful to see so many on parade. Unfortunately, this year the children were missing, today was a show day public holiday and this was what was fought for, the right to attend and participate in whatever we wish, even if it is the Brisbane show, the EKKA!
 
The Following dignitaries were also in attendance, Gregg Betts, Gold Coast City Councillor for Burleigh, Christine Smith, State Member for Burleigh, Karen Embrey, PA to Margaret May, Federal Member for McPherson, Fr Pat Molony, Burleigh RSL Sub-Branch Honorary Padre, President of the Gold Coast & District Ex-POW Association, Allan Mahony and the Secretary Norm Aderton, MBE. Thank you for sparing your time and supporting the commemoration.

Wreaths were laid in remembrance of all those who fell and have fallen since, the service was reported to be a very moving event. Special thanks to the Gold Coast City Council Events unit for providing the equipment; Marquee, Chairs and the most essential part, the Sound system, this ensured our day went off very well, and not forgetting the wonderful maintenance of the Memorial Park, it was a picture, thanks Peter, the council gardener!

Thanks to the Sub-Branch Secretary, Ray Fellenberg for his contribution and the following members for their assistance; Bob Proud, stepped into the duties of Flag Officer with George Uttersons absence, Les Coulson stepped into the duties of Parade Marshall with Les McKenzie still being on light duties after heart surgery, The Flag party, Ken McNaught, Vern Williams, Ron Mansfield & Brian Williams, in all it was a great team effort.

I think this day, VP/VJ 15th August, this day should be remembered just as ANZAC Day and Remembrance days are each and every year. This day was a turning point in Australia's history and has shaped Australia as it is today. Our Military forces are deployed all over the world, they are highly respected by enemy and friend, they are a very professional and have been shaped by the deeds of the past ANZACS. We should be very proud of our Military but we also must respect and honour those who went before.

This message should be passed around to all, remember the ANZAC's past and present, and each year spend a few hours on the 15th August, to show how much we appreciate their deeds and not let this day slip into the annals of history.

The Burleigh Heads RSL, VP Day commemoration service was a short service and a quiet event with over 100 in attendance, I am sure the message got through, remember this day!!