RSL Queensland Annual Report 2020

55 Remember to Remember Doreen’s story VP75 This year, on the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day, RSL Queensland remembered the brave men and women who defended Australia in WWII. "The ranks of our WWII veterans grow thinner each year, and it was important that we honoured their sacrifice on the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day." TONY FERRIS State President, RSLQueensland There was once again celebration – and commemoration – in the city as the moving story of WWII and Victory in the Pacific was projected onto the façade of Brisbane’s City Hall. Hundreds of people also shared their memories and family stories of living in Queensland during the war, like WWII wireless operator Doreen Matthews, who was stationed in Townsville. "I just remember how many soldiers came through that city on their way to each of the ships to go to war. They shipped everybody out from Townsville and there were soldiers coming and going all the time. So many of them... It’s sad really." DOREEN MATTHEWS WWII wireless operator Remember to Remember The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month marks the moment the guns fell silent on the CREATING ENDURING LEGACIES Western Front after the bloodshed of World War I. Over the past century, this moment has been adopted across the globe as a time to remember those who served and sacrificed in all wars and conflicts. On Remembrance Day this year, we asked Australians to Remember to Remember; to pause for just one minute to remember and honour all those who have served and continue to serve our country to ensure the freedoms and privileges we enjoy today. "The little bit of time it takes out of your day to just stop, pause and remember means the world to everybody [who’s served]. It shows that you are thinking about the sacrifice they made and it’s a level of respect you can offer to those people who went before you." JARRETT BIRD Australian Army veteran and RSLQueensland employee To aid in social distancing and allow people to remain safely in their homes, we live-streamed the official Remembrance Day service from Brisbane’s Shrine of Remembrance for the first time in RSL Queensland’s history. And in line with government regulations, smaller Remembrance Day services were held in person by RSL Sub Branches around the state, providing opportunities for all Queenslanders to remember. RSL Queensland Annual Report | 2020 Annual Highlights Creating Enduring Legacies Creating Enduring Legacies continued