WE WILL remember them

A crowd of thousands gathered at Anzac Day dawn services and the main service and parade in Hervey Bay on April 25 to honour those who served their country

It has been 108 years since Australian and New Zealand soldiers first landed at Gallipoli peninsula during World War I.

The Anzacs were defeated after eight months, having suffered great hardships and mass casualties, but their bravery has become an enduring symbol of military sacrifice.

Moving ceremonies were held to honour the sacrifice of these brave soldiers at the Pialba Cenotaph with members of the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch, dignitaries, service groups and school leaders all playing a special part in the services.

During the main service, the prayer was said by Reverend Jeff Jarvis.

Among the crowd was Jock Lindsay who is a veteran of the special forces having served as a Clearance Diver for six years with the British Navy and six years with the Royal Australian Navy. For Jock, taking part in Anzac Day and Remembrance Day services is more about honouring the people who have served before him.

“For the men and women that have served during conflict and peace time, it's very important that we acknowledge their commitment, their service and their sacrifice to keep this country as a free and a democratic country,” Jock said. “Participating and watching veterans of various ages from the old to the young all marching together, unified in support of the sacrifice veterans before us have given to their country; the word goosebumps is appropriate.”

After the service, the veterans returned to the Hervey Bay RSL for a private gun-fire breakfast where they raised a glass to their fallen mates and exchanged yarns about days gone by.

Jock said the mateship and camaraderie formed during service will never be forgotten.

“I don't think there's a veteran who has served that will ever forget the people they served with, their colleagues and the deployments that they have been on.

“Every single day of their waking life they will remember. That's just part of our DNA.

“As a veteran it's important that we never forget what we and our colleagues went through and sacrificed.”

As a result of his time in the Navy Jock was diagnosed with PTSD eight years ago.

However, he has now found solace in his not-for-profit charity Stable Minds Equine Assisted Therapy which brings pure joy to fellow veterans like Jock who need a positive outlet, frontline responders, and clients from various disability services.

The Stable Minds four-legged team is made up of Diego and Quavo the loveable donkeys, Mack, and Ringer the very handsome Clydesdales and Tiger, the 22-year-old “bomb proof” thoroughbred and Piper, Jock’s therapy dog who always steals the show.

As the concept is growing so is the charity. Jock now has a float which has enabled him and the team to take the charity mobile.

This means that the team can be booked to attend individuals' homes, schools, aged care facilities and disability services.

The Hervey Bay RSL Community Grants Program and the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch are proud to support this fantastic initiative by sponsorship of $500 each, per month, to the charity.

Jock would be only too happy to help any veterans who feel they could benefit from some four-legged love.

Visit the Stable Mind Equine Assisted Therapy Facebook page, email ianlindsey@gmail.com or phone 0400 939 709. Lest We Forget!