Anzac Day: Queenslanders pay their respects at packed Anzac Square dawn service
There’s been a huge turnout for the dawn service at Anzac Square in Brisbane this morning despite the rainy conditions, to honour Australia’s service men and women.
It’s estimated thousands of people attended, packing out Ann Street in both directions.
Dawn services have been held across the state, as Queenslanders commemorate the first restriction free Anzac Day in three years.
Governor Jeanette Young, Premier Annastacia Palaszcuk and Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll were all in attendance.
Eternal flame #Anzac Square Dawn Service 2022. Brisbane @9NewsQueensland pic.twitter.com/CdL0RIrCRk
— Andrew Lofthouse (@Loftea) April 24, 2022
RSL Queensland’s state president, Major General Stephen Day, says it was wonderful to see crowds again after a disruptive two years.
“The best way to respect our fallen is to live life the best you can, live your life in a way that honours what they did, they kept this land and freedom for us.”
He urged Queenslanders to come and watch the march, taking place later this morning.
Press PLAY below to hear his wrap-up of the CBD service
Today’s Anzac Day Parade through the city is expected to be the biggest in a few years.
Starting along Adelaide Street at 9.45am, former and current service men and women will walk through city streets, finishing up at around 12.30pm.
At the front will be World War Two veterans, as well as war widows.
#AnzacDay Southport, Gold Coast 2022. Lest We Forget ❤️@9NewsQueensland pic.twitter.com/PtLFwCaIzc
— Isabel Quinlan (@izzy_quinlan) April 24, 2022
Legacy Brisbane CEO Brendan Cox they are starting a new tradition to bring families together.
“We had our first Run Army event yesterday through the city of Brisbane, that’s a new Anzac tradition we are creating,” he told Neil Breen.
“So the Sunday before Anzac Day we are going to do a fun run, and it just engages the younger audience and engages family which is what we are all about.”
Press PLAY below to hear more about it, including Legacy’s centenary year in 2023
Images: Andrew Lofthouse, Nine News