ANZAC Day Services were held in Grandchester, Marburg and Rosewood on Tuesday to honour our past and present servicemen and women.

As the sun rose across Grandchester, silence fell across the surrounds at Bigges Camp Park … families stood side by side, some wearing medals, others with commemorative medals and poppies symbolising respect for those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today.

Veterans and serving ADF personnel together with Grandchester State School students, families and community members, paused and reflected on what Anzac Day means to them.

The service organised by Grandchester residents Robyn and Chris Stokes was led by Adrian Shepley while the 205 Gatton Squadron formed the catafalque party. Sgt Paul Russell delivered the address, before the Last Post, poems, the laying of the wreaths and songs took place.

As the early morning fog cleared a parade of service men and women, families, schools and community groups marched down Queen Street, to the Community Park and Heritage Centre in Marburg.

The service, hosted by the Marburg and District Residents Association, was led by Marburg State School Principal Russell Napier, the Acknowledgement of Country took place before the Australian National Anthem and the New Zealand Nation Anthem were played.

Special poems were recited and songs were sung, the names of the Fallen were read by Minden State School Students, before wreaths were laid on the Marburg memorial. Anzac biscuits and a morning tea was shared among all in attendance, while an Anzac Day display was enjoyed in the Marburg Heritage Centre.

In Rosewood, the RSL sub branch hosted what has been tradition for many decades. The commemorations began with a dawn parade that was led by Rosewood RSL Vice President Brian McLucas from the Rising Sun Hotel to the Memorial Hall.

The dawn service took place in front of the Soldier Memorial, before a gunfire breakfast that was cooked by the Rosewood QFES was enjoyed.

Main street, Rosewood, then attracted veterans, community groups, school children and members of the community who all walked from the Cobb and Co Park in Rosewood down to the Memorial Hall to take part in the Rosewood RSL morning service.

A Willy’s Jeep and a World War II Austin ute transported veterans and the 6 Squadron RAAF Base Amberley performed a Fly Over with two E/A-18 Growler aircraft.

The commemorations were led by Rosewood RSL Secretary Carmel Luetchford inside the hall, with local school children, invited guests, and service personnel delivering the prayer, song, poems and commemorative readings.

A morning tea prepared by the Rosewood Country Women’s Association was then enjoyed.