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Following a year where community members were confined to their driveways for Anzac Day, was an “incredible” show of Australian spirit as the Emerald community gathered in the centre of town.
Thousands made their way to the Emerald Cenotaph on Sunday morning to watch and take part in the 2021 Anzac Day March from Lions Park to the cenotaph, followed by the main service.
Central Highlands Regional Council Mayor Kerry Hayes said the ceremony was “extremely well attended”, despite initial concerns that people would remain at home following last years inability to meet at the cenotaph. Emerald RSL sub-branch president Noel Mallyon and President of RSL Pioneer, Fitzroy, Highlands District Barry Vains OAM at the 2021 Emerald Anzac Day service.
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A Hervey Bay man has spent Anzac Day not only remembering the service of mates who shared his own military experience, but two men he never met.
Robert Symonds began his defence force career half a century ago at the age of 22.
He served in the New Zealand air force for 19 years and during that time was based at all the military bases in that country.
At the end of the Vietnam War in the early 1970s he was stationed in Singapore for three years.
“Towards the end of the Vietnam War they set up a base in Singapore and placed all their garrisons there,” Robert, who is a Carinity Home Care Hervey Bay client, said.