At dawn on 25 April 1915, ANZAC troops landed on the narrow beaches of Gallipoli, starting a legacy that would live long after them.
The steep cliffs provided little cover, but our soldiers fought with endurance, courage, humour and that famous sense of mateship – values we regard and uphold as the Anzac spirit. Every year, many people attend an ANZAC Day service to pay their respects to the brave men and women who fought for our nation’s freedom, many making the ultimate sacrifice.
Passing the Torch of Remembrance
One of those regular attendees is Australian Army veteran, Stephen Pooler of Beachmere, who has been taking his grandkids Olly and Marlee to ANZAC Day since they were little.
Stephen said we had a responsibility to pass on the remembrance of our fallen soldiers to the younger generations.
“Commemorating ANZAC Day is not just about remembering that important day, but also all the other conflicts and peacekeeping activities Australian service men and women have been involved in,” Stephen said.
“It’s about taking the opportunity to educate and involve the community wherever possible. ANZAC Day is a great day and can be a sombre and sad day, but it also gives those who served the chance to catch up with mates and remember and pay their respects to those who are gone.”
In recent years, Stephen has visited the battlefields of France and also completed the gruelling Kokoda Trail. He said this heightened his interest in Australian military history and made him appreciate how hard it would have been for those brave Australian soldiers.
“Being in those places and hearing the stories of what happened on the very ground you stand on is profoundly moving,” he said.
“I want to pass on the same types of feelings. I want to make sure that the younger generation doesn’t forget.”
Stephen is also on the Board for the Beachmere RSL Sub Branch and encourages any war veterans to reach out for support.
Remember our brave men and women and continue the legacy of respect and honour. Lest we forget.
Dawn Services, Marches and Main Services are held at Caboolture, Beachmere, Burpengary and Woodford. For details, visit RSL Queensland.
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