Qld: Poignance in state's Anzac Day commemorations
BRISBANE, April 25 AAP - Queensland's Anzac Day commemorations today will take on extrasignificance with soldiers on active duty overseas and only one World War I digger remaining.
The state's remaining veteran from the Great War, 105-year-old Ted Smout, will attendthe Brisbane parade after being given the all-clear from his doctor.
He will be joined by the grandson of 104-year-old WWI veteran Eric Abraham, who diedlast month and was a regular at the parade.
Queensland Premier Peter Beattie said the commemorations would have added significancegiven Australia's role in Iraq and East Timor.
"No one likes war, but the reality is that many Australians have given their livesfor a better nation and Anzac Day is the chance we have to say thanks for that sacrifice,"
Mr Beattie said.
The premier and other dignitaries will attend Brisbane's Dawn Service at Anzac Squareat 4.15am (AEST) today.
The main parade and wreath-laying ceremony will take place at Anzac Square from 9.45am (AEST).
Most towns and cities will hold ceremonies and one cattle station is planning its own tribute.
Former deputy prime minister Tim Fischer will preside at a dawn service on the AustralianAgricultural Company's 600,000-hectare Wrotham Park station, west of Cairns.
Mr Fischer, a former Army officer, is on the company's board, which is meeting at the station.
AAP ch/pw/jlwn
KEYWORD: ANZAC QLD DAYLEAD
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