sacrifice and service

HONOUR IN THE early hours of April 25, Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch President Brian Tidyman will don his uniform and proudly pin five medals to the left of his chest.

A symbol of his service to the country during the Vietnam War. The retired Gunner will then head to the poignant Anzac Day Dawn March and Service at sunrise – the time of the original landing in Gallipoli.

“The Dawn Service is the ex-services parade,” Mr Tidyman said. “It's the one where we remember our mates.

something we all unfortunately have in common.”

Brian was in a small unit with “120 blokes” and unfortunately over half of them have now passed away.

“I have some very close mates from Vietnam that are still with us.

“We don't get to see each other all that much because of distance but when we do get together, we remember the good times and remember the mates who have gone before us.

“This year will be 54 years since we left Australia to go to Vietnam.” threat. They fought for freedom and democracy.

“The Main Service is for the public to pay their respects and that's why we only allow veterans to march in the Dawn Service.

“We all lost mates and that's

Mr Tidyman encourages families and communities to come together on Anzac Day to honour every soldier's sacrifice and service to Australia.

The thousands of Australians who enlisted to fight in the First World War did so because they believed that their liberties were under

The veterans will step-off from the RSL for the Dawn Service march at about 5.15am, followed by the Main March at about 10am with veterans, current serving members, service groups, schools and dignitaries. The veterans and current serving members will then return to the RSL for a private Gunfire breakfast, where they will be sure to raise a glass or two to their fallen mates, tell tales and exchange yarns. The RSL will then open to the public from 1pm, with the café open at this time. Two-up will be held in Hervey House from 1pm.