Stanthorpe residents pay tribute
ANZAC Day isn’t about celebrating victory, the Stanthorpe public was told yesterday.
In her address at the Stanthorpe Civic Centre Squadron Leader Natalie Sands (RTD) AASM, ASM told the crowd gathered to commemorate Australians who lost their life for their country, it was a day of gatherings, reunions, services and community involvement.
“It’s our day,” she said.
The Reviewing Officer calls Stanthorpe her adopted home.
One of the more poignant moments of her service career was conducting the air medical evacuation of injured Australians after the Bali bombing.
“Australians continue today to serve their country,” she said.
“Some never returning home.”
She said the Anzac’s experience in Gallipoli scarred the conscience of a young nation.
The eight-and-a-half-month involvement led to 7600 Australian deaths.
“Around double the population of Stanthorpe,” she said.
Deputy mayor Peter Blundell gave the address at Stanthorpe Civic Centre and said the Anzac spirit lived on and was put to the test as we coped with floods, cyclones, earthquakes and tsunami.
The Stanthorpe parade was marshalled by Jim Mitchell and school children from Granite Belt schools donned flags and joined in the march too.
The Civic Centre service was followed by wreath laying at the Memorial in Weeroona Park.
