93rd Anniversary REMEMBRANCE DAY 2011 Report:

Friday 11th November 2011 was a beautiful day, clear sky with a light breeze. The white crosses were placed on and around the cenotaph on display, each cross named every Burleigh RSL member who had passed away since the formation of the Burleigh Heads RSL on the 3rd January 1939. A roll call was read by the President of the Members that had passed away since the last remembrance day in 2010, in total 13 names were read, at the conclusion of the reading, the bugle sounded at exactly 11am followed by a minute silence!

Over 500, Veterans, ex-service men & women, school children and members of the public paused to remember the 93rd Anniversary of Remembrance (Armistice) day. to remember the over 100,000 Australians who paid the supreme sacrifice, remembering their fallen comrades and especially the 32 young Australian who have lost their lives so far in the Afghanistan war in the last ten years.

Cadets from 133 ACU had mounted a catafalque guard on the cenotaph, they marched on with the beat of drums for the first time at 10.50am, very impressive!. Samantha Naday again graced us with her presence and gave her renditions of the four anthems, American, British, New Zealand and Australian. Samantha read the Flanders poem during the service, which was very moving.

A group of four ex-POW's were in attendance, Greg Betts, Burleigh Heads Councillor was asked to read the ex-POW prayer on their behalf. Fr Pat Molony graced us with his attendance and most welcomed prayers, Fr Pat has been a great supporter of the sub-Branch for many years and has always tried to assist whenever he can!

Mrs Sue Hazel, widow of the late Tony Hazel who had passed away suddenly on the 10th November 2011, was present with part of her family, she and her family was asked to lay a tribute on behalf her late Husband, father and grandfather!

Chris Keating, Burleigh Heads RSL President layed a wreath in respect of the Burleigh Heads past members. Christine Smith, state Member for Burleigh, Greg Betts, Gold Coast Councillor for Burleigh and Ben Naday representing the federal Member for McPherson, Karen Andrews layed their wreaths. Mick Kildey ex-POW layed a wreath on behalf of all POW's and cadet officer Lt Mark Shelley layed a wreath of behalf of cadets and the ADF. A wreath was laid

Peter Tong, Principle Burleigh Heads State Primary School, with Carol Browne, deputy Principle and Burleigh RSL Sub-Branch Patron with other teachers and many children were in attendance, a huge thanks goes to them for making effort to bring so many children to witness and take part in the commemoration service. Miami High School also sent a senior representation to the service. It was great to see so many young people attending the service.

Sub-Branch President Chris Keating gave his Remembrance day address, reminding all of the many sacrifices made during the last 112 years by so many service men and women, reminding everyone of the 600 Australians that died during the Boer war 1899 - 1901 and reinforced the freedom that we enjoy today, and the great lifestyle that we have because of their sacrifices!

Great attendance all round and a day to remember for Burleigh Heads in 2011.

We now move another year closer to the centenary in 2018 and in particular the centenary of Gallipoli in 2015. "Lest We Forget"

Christopher Keating
President