The 2024 ANZAC Day parade kicked off under sunny skies and a police escort, closely followed by the band, veterans, various military groups and supporting members of the community. Clapping accompanied the pace of the parade, young and old paying their respects from whatever vantage point they could find.  

This story is mainly pictorial, with quotes from onlookers in the crowd sharing their thoughts and the people they were commemorating.

Clint, Ray and Judy were commemorating, a dad, grandfather and grandson. Judy said she didn’t have anyone personally, instead she said, “I am here for everyone!”

Nia and Jack lined Molesworth Street. Nia explained, “My little cousin’s doing the march, and my pop, who was a veteran, passed away recently.”

Diane was in attendance for, “My grandchildren.”

Kay was there for “Everybody that falls in war.”

Liz said, “My grandfather was in the British Army in World War 2, two nephews went to Vietnam and two brother-in-laws were in World War 2. They are remembered all the time. We have their photos and their medals up and when the kids march in the parade, they carry their photos.”

Katherine said, “My father was in the second world war, stationed up in Darwin.” And Colin, her husband, said, “I know nobody, but just have general respect for those who did attend on our behalf.”

Dee said she was here for “Just everyone at the moment. I have a great-great-great-grandfather that was an ANZAC and my pop was in the Navy as well”

Karen said, “My father did serve. If he was here, I would tell him I am very proud of him.”

“I’m supporting my daughter who is a teacher at one of the schools!” 

Hillary and Theo were to applaud the parade. Hillary said, “I am here to commemorate my dad who was in World War II along with a lot of my uncles. Some of them were very young. I'd like to tell them, “Good on you for having a go.”

Lisa said, “Everybody that helped us create the life that we have now. And there is no need for war. Anywhere. Anytime.”

Paul said, “We are thinking about everyone of them out there that didn’t come home. My grandpa, my great-uncle got killed in France. We went and visited his grave a couple of years ago.” Paul explained some of the badges he was wearing, “This is my national service badge, this is from Vietnam, and these are my great-uncles. He was 24 when he got shot over there and didn’t come home.”

Graeme spoke about, “My father and all the guys I lost over there. These are my father's medals, he was in the Airforce in the South Pacific, at the top of New Guinea.”

We will remember them.