Port Hedland ANZAC Day parade to go ahead as COVID-19 hits other WA services

Port Hedland’s ANZAC Day march and service is set to go ahead despite cancellations across the state due to COVID-19 restrictions. Port Hedland RSL president Val Middleton said it was important to commemorate the sacrifices all soldiers had made in service of their country. He said last year was the first time since World War II services had been cancelled and that this year they would be commemorating in public once again. “Last year I did not want to see our commemorations cancelled. It felt like we were beaten by an enemy we could not see, but it protected our veterans,” he said. “This year the commemoration will go on. “To keep the ANZAC spirit alive we must remember those men who went ashore in a foreign land to protect our way of life.” The commemoration will begin with a muster at the war memorial opposite the Esplanade Hotel at 5:30am. The ceremony will last about 45 minutes with a guest speech from Major Paul Garrioch of the OC 1 Squadron’s Pilbara Regiment and a parade at 6:15am. Mr Middleton said ANZAC Day should be commemorated for all our service men and women regardless of creed or culture. “We should not only commemorate those who gave the supreme sacrifice but those who carried and still carry the scars of war — the sleepless nights [and] the fear,” he said. “Remember them as Australians and honour them and those serving for the freedom of Australia.”