Anzac Day has always always been an important event for Dora Andrews.
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For nearly 70 years she and husband Clarence Andrews have attended the George Town service together.
Mr Andrews is George Town’s last surviving World War II veteran.
Sadly this year the 95-year-old was unable to attend, after being admitted to hospital on Tuesday.
It is only the second Anzac Day he has missed since returning from war, where he was a leading seaman in the navy.
Mrs Andrews, who is also a life member of the RSL Women’s Auxiliary, said her husband had enjoyed “a few too many birthdays”.
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“I thought it was a lovely service,” she said.
“Clarrie is very weary these days.
“He is tired and probably not up to attending any more [services].
“But it always meant a lot to him.
“I know he was disappointed to miss last year’s service.”
About 400 people are estimated to have attended George Town’s 11am Anzac Day service at the Max Harris Memorial Reserve.
For the first time the town’s dawn and day services were livestreamed by Tamar FM radio, allowing those unable to attend services in person to still share in the commemorations.
Master of Ceremonies Michelle O’Byrne lead an all-female list of guest speakers, including bursary winners Bronte Millar and Jasmine Glover, as well as television presenter Jo Palmer.
Ms Palmer shared an impassioned plea for the next generation to continue telling the stories of those no longer alive.
George Town RSL president Don Mackrill said it was pleasing to see such a large turnout – especially from the younger generation.
“George Town puts a big emphasis on Anzac Day at our schools,” he said.
“It is school holidays, but there are still plenty of young ones here today and I think that is an important message.
“They are our future.”
In a touching tribute, children from George Town’s Gordon Square Childhood Services dedicated a homemade wreath featuring all of their handprints.
Four-year-old Tristan Ackerly was given the honour of placing the wreath on the town’s cenotaph.
He did so while wearing the war medals of his great-grandfather Frederick Cook.
Tristan’s mother Jess Nicholas said it was a very proud moment for the family.
“It was a lovely thing to see him up there,” she said.
“My brother is also a returned serviceman, so Anzac Day is a big deal for our family.
“It is all about keeping that spirit alive and remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
