Logan residents turned out in force to remember the war dead on Remembrance Day, with organisers of the Greenbank service stunned by the community support this morning.
Families joined veterans and onlookers at the Greenbank RSL memorial gardens.
- Read more: Logan to pay its respects on Remembrance Day
- Read more: Logan kids take Remembrance Day message digital
- Read more: Pictures from Remembrance Day 2019
They lowered the flags to half mast and stood in silence as the Last Post and Reveille rang out in the bright sunshine.
A succession of community representatives and politicians laid wreaths and stood in silence for a moment, remembering and thanking those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
Vietnam and Korea veterans stood alongside returned soldiers from more recent conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan who bridged the gap to the younger generations.
Some soldiers there did not leave the country for their service, instead spending their careers on Australian bases.
Warrant Officer Stephen Johnstone, from the 382 Squadron of the RAAF, read the Ode.
Father Peter Moore gave the benediction and Greenbank RSL sub-branch secretary Doug Watts laid a wreath.
Stewart Rae emceed the proceedings, while Helen McLaren gave an address.
The New Zealand and Australian national anthems closed the proceedings.
About 200 people were in the garden, with more standing outside the walls to pay their respects.
Afterwards, many headed into the RSL building to regale each other of tales of their service, over cold beers.
Sub-branch president Eric Cavanagh said organisers had been expecting much smaller crowds, and were impressed by the turnout.
"I am chuffed, really happy," he said.
"We thought about 70 would come."
Due to COVID-19, Anzac Day services were called off and numbers at Vietnam Veterans Day in August were severely restricted, and Mr Cavanagh said people were keen to again publicly thank veterans for their sacrifice.
"People want to get out and pay their respects again," he said.
"To get 150-plus ... it shows people want to be involved.
"We have this fantastic outdoor area and we are able to spread everybody out."
Logan City councillors Jacob Heremaia, Natalie Willcocks and Tim Frazer were at the service, along with Logan MP Linus Power and Algester MP Leeanne Enoch.
Federal Forde MP Bert van Manen sent a representative to lay a wreath.
"We had good support from the political hierarchy," Mr Cavanagh said.
Read more local news here
