Port Hedland community comes together to mark Anzac Day

Hundreds of Hedland residents marched alongside Australian Defence Force personnel in the early hours of the morning to pay their respects and commemorate Anzac Day. Gathering at the Port Hedland War Memorial, locals packed the streets in honour of all the Australians who have died in wars and conflicts over the last century. Primary schools, industry giants, council members and local businesses were joined by WA Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson in laying wreaths at Port Hedland War Memorial. After speeches from local RSL members and the ADF, the ceremony finished with a parade from the Esplanade Hotel to Marapikurrinya Park where ADF personnel were joined by veterans, emergency services and the public. Port Hedland RSL Sub-Branch President Val Middleton said Anzac Day was an opportunity to reflect on the suffering of all those who have served and endured the hardships of war. “Today is the National Day of Remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, which commemorates all our men and women who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations,” he said. “Since the Second World War, we haven’t lost 1000 soldiers to war. “Today, with Russia, China, and North Korea beating the drums of war, are we prepared to accept the potential casualties of war that these nations could cause if we had to go to war with them? “And will we have the courage and the will to fight as our ancestors did?”