A storm at the Anzac Day dawn service in Tewantin turned to sunny skies after the main parade for hundreds who gathered to pay their respects.
The Noosa community once again came together to honour the bravery, sacrifice, and spirit of servicemen and women, past and present, on Friday 25 April.
Wearing her father’s medals for the first time, Noosa MP Sandy Bolton said she was blessed with 200 years of wisdom while sitting next to local veterans Geoffrey Garratt, 102, and Ken Bridges, 98.
Geoffrey Garratt fought for Australia in World War II as a Bombadier and Navigator in Lancaster Bombers over Germany.
Kenneth Bridges enlisted in the Merchant Navy during WWII as a 16-year-old in Sydney and has dedicated his life to the defence forces, working for the past 30 years with the RSL to assist other veterans and their families.
Mr Bridges was a seaman and a gunner on Defensively Equipped Merchant Ships (DEMS) which meant they could only fire in defense not in attack.
He travelled across the Pacific at the call of the defense services during the war, then on his return after the war joined the Royal Australian Navy going on to serve in the Korean War.
“Can I say how moving it is to see so many here in the testing conditions today,” Ms Bolton said.
“Everyday we owe the debt of gratitude to the brave men and women (who served) and their families.
“We would not be here or have what we have today without them.”
With a restored relationship between the Tewantin Noosa RSL Club and the Sub Branch, the two branches worked together to make the 2025 Anzac Day a memorable success.
