THE Raymond Terrace RSL sub-Branch has big plans for ANZAC Day 2023.

The traditional ANZAC Day Dawn Service will commence with a short march, with the service being held at the War Memorial in ANZAC Park, Jacaranda Avenue, Raymond Terrace, commencing at 05:50am.

The Service is expected to run for approximately 30 minutes.

Guests are requested to arrive by 05:45am.

Following the Service, community members are invited to a ‘gun-fire’ breakfast being held in the Raymond Terrace Bowling Club (gold coin donation).

The main ANZAC Day March and Service will be held at the War Memorial in ANZAC Park, Jacaranda Avenue, Raymond Terrace.

The Service will commence at 10:55am at the conclusion of the ANZAC March, which is scheduled to commence in Sturgeon Street at approximately 10:35am.

The Service is expected to run for approximately 50 minutes.

Guests are requested to arrive by 10:45am.

“The Raymond Terrace RSL sub-Branch will be conducting our usual Dawn Service March and Service, but this year, in lieu of conducting a Last Post Ceremony where we select a name of a local veteran off the War Memorial and honour that individual’s military service to Australia, we will do something different,” Vic Jones of the Raymond Terrace Sub Branch told News Of The Area.

“To mark the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Korean War Armistice, and the 50th anniversary of the ending of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War, we will be honouring about six local Korean War/Vietnam War veterans still living in our community who are all members of the Raymond Terrace RSL sub-Branch,” Mr Jones said.

“While it is our solemn responsibility to never forget the service and sacrifices made by those past generations of veterans who answered the call to arms to fight for Australia and defend the freedoms and principles our nation was founded upon, and which we promote internationally, it is equally important that we show our respect and thanks to those veterans of more recent conflicts who are still among us today, and whom we can publicly honour in person.

“Shamefully, when some Vietnam Veterans returned to Australia from their tours of duty they were given no fanfare, and some were met with indifference and outright hostility by elements of the public, and even the RSL at the time.

“Years later attitudes changed and steps were taken to show appropriate recognition for the service these veterans had given.

“During the ANZAC Day service on this anniversary, we take the opportunity of again personally thanking our Vietnam veterans for their service to our country,” Mr Jones said.

By Marian SAMPSON