
Honouring the fallen, even in peacetime
WHEN the bugle rings out The Last Post at 11am on November 11, it's usually the first and second World War soldiers who come to mind.
But the armed services play an important role across the country, and still sustain losses, even in peacetime as Warren O'Grady can attest.
A former fighter pilot in the Australian airforce, Mr O'Grady took part in the airdrop of relief items to farmers cut off by floodwaters near Moree in 1974.
"Moree was very accommodating town, we were sort of treated like the local heroes because we were doing such good work for the farmers," he said.
The now-retired pilot, who went on to fly Cathay Pacific commercial flights after his time in the armed services, said it wasn't always that way.
"Funnily enough, when I was in the armed services [near Newcastle], everybody hated us," he said.
"Because nobody liked the Vietnam War and the media at the time portrayed us after the war as wasting taxpayer's money.
"So I'm used to it, I'm used to not being liked for my job."
Despite the country being at peace during his 15 years service, O'Grady said he lost about 30 mates from airplane crashes and other accidents.
For him, it's all servicemen and women who ought to be remembered, even those in unpopular wars such as Iraq or those who served during peacetime.
"When you sign up, you sign up to serve your country and those people lay their life on the line from the day they sign up," he said.
"People are starting to realise that we do good stuff, and the groundswell of hatred for the armed services has disappeared."
A service will be held in Buderim at the Foote Sanctuary from 11am, as well as a Maroochydore RSL service at the Cotton Tree Cenotaph at the same time tomorrow.
RSL REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICES
Caloundra
Gather for Remembrance Day Ceremony at 10.15am at Caloundra RSL 19 West Terrace, Caloundra. The service will be held behind the RSL in the Memorial Garden. All welcome.
Enquiries re wreath-laying to Caloundra RSL Sub-Branch Secretary Heather Christie on 5438 5800.
Coolum-Peregian
Gather from 10.40am at the Coolum-Peregian RSL Memorial Park, David Low Way for a Remembrance Day Ceremony. Refreshments available after the service in the Memorial Hall.
Enquiries re wreath-laying to Ray Tuni phone 5446 2588.
Kawana Waters
Gather at 10.45am at the Kawana Waters War Memorial, Pacific Boulevard, BUDDINA for Remembrance Day Service. All Welcome.
Enquiries re wreath-laying to Rob Hunt on 5493 5290.
Maleny
Please gather at the RSL Maleny Sub Branch Cenotaph at 10.45am for the Remembrance Day Ceremony. All Welcome.
If anyone wishes to lay a tribute please telephone the office on 5494 3717 or the president on 0407628274.
Mapleton
Members of the public are requested to gather at Mapleton RSL Memorial Park, Flaxton Drive, Mapleton (adjacent Mapleton Tavern) at 10.30amfor a Remembrance Day Service.
Enquiries re wreath-laying to RSL Secretary Matt Dykes on 0427263595.
Maroochydore
The Sub-Branch will be conducting a Remembrance Day Ceremony at the Cotton Tree Cenotaph commencing 10.30am. All Welcome.
Enquiries re wreath-laying to Ian Hicks on 5443 1719.
Mudjimba
Those wishing to attend the Remembrance Day Service are requested to assemble at "Power Park Cenotaph" at 10.40am. All welcome.
Enquiries re wreath-laying to Russell Loane on 5458 8320.
Nambour
The Public are requested to assemble at Quota Memorial Park Cenotaph at 10.40am for a Remembrance Day Ceremony. All welcome.
Enquiries re wreath-laying to RSL Secretary Bill Sawrey OAM on 5441 5448.
Tewantin-Noosa
The Public are requested to gather at the Tewantin Cenotaph at 10.40am for the Remembrance Day Ceremony.
Enquiries re wreath-laying to David MacGregor on 5447 1981.
Woodford
Gather at Woodford Memorial Park at 10.45am for the Remembrance Day Service. Light Refreshments to follow at Woodford RSL Sub Branch at Woodford Memorial Park Woodford.
Enquiries re wreath-laying to Graham Bleakley 5422 9610.
Yandina/Eumundi
The Public are requested to gather at the Yandina Cenotaph, Steven St, opposite the Hotel, at 10.40am for the Remembrance Day Service.
Enquiries re wreath-laying to Tracey Gilmartin 5472 7056.