Community
17 April, 2025
We will never forget
CAIRNS will unite this ANZAC Day to honour 110 years since the landing at Galipolli with the annual commemorative services to pay tribute to the enduring spirit of Australia’s fallen and returned heroes.
Thousands of veterans and residents are expected to make their way to the Cairns Cenotaph next Friday for the dawn service and main parade to commemorate the lives lost 110 years ago when the ANZAC troops first landed in Galipolli and the spirit and grit displayed by all servicemen and women that followed.
The dawn service will begin at 5.30am with veterans marching to the Cenotaph from the Aquarius building on the esplanade from 5.20am with official proceedings by HMAS Cairns commanding officer Andrew Thorpe.
The ANZAC Day parade will depart from Fogarty Park at 7.30am and march its way down to the Cenotaph. This year, there won’t be a morning service at the Cenotaph due to budgetary issues. Stratford will be holding the main morning service.
Cairns RSL sub branch president Nathan Shingles said it was vital that the community continued to engage with ANZAC Day and pay tribute to all veterans and service people.
“This year marks 110 years since the landing at Gallipoli – a defining moment that helped shape Australia’s national identity,” he said.
“ANZAC Day is more than a date, it’s a time to honour every Australian who has served, whether in war, peacekeeping or in defence of our nation and values.
“The dawn service is the biggest commemorative service in Cairns and we’re proud to offer a meaningful and respectful morning for the whole community.
“This year we’re honoured to have the Royal Australian Navy taking the lead, we’re also proud to have the involvement of the Navy cadets and Air Force cadets who will be supporting elements of the service, a great sign of the next generation stepping up to honour those who’ve come before them.
“For the parade, once again the march will be led by a riderless horse – a powerful and solemn symbol representing the fallen soldier who will ride no more.
“It’s a moment of reflection and tribute that marks the beginning of the parade.
“We invite all veterans, descendants and community members to attend, and if you can’t attend, take a moment during the day to reflect on the sacrifices our veterans did for our safety. I think in these times that’s more important than ever.”
For more information on ANZAC Day visit https://bit.ly/4js2fs5 and stay up to date with the Cairns RSL sub branch Facebook page.
