Inaugural Veterans’ Day Ceremony for Mount Isa

The Mount Isa RSL Sub-branch will be commemorating all ex-servicepeople who have served in modern-day conflicts and peacekeeping operations when it holds its inaugural Veterans’ Day, proudly supported by Mount Isa City Council, later this month.

Previously, the Sub-branch held a Vietnam Veterans’ Day ceremony in mid to late August.

However, this year it has extended the commemorations to include all ex-servicepeople.

Sub-branch Secretary Jim Nuttall said he encourages ex-servicepeople from Mount Isa, and all Mount Isa residents, to attend the Veterans’ Day ceremony, which will be held on the front lawns of the Civic Centre from 11am on Saturday, August 21.

“The ceremony is going to cover all conflicts and peacekeeping operations from the Korean War onwards,” Mr Nuttall said.

“Anzac Day pretty well looks after World War I and World War II, so we thought if we’re going to have a Veterans’ Day, we’ll try to make it for those who served from the Korean War, right up through to the War in Afghanistan. The idea of that is that way, we cover everyone.”

The format of the ceremony will be similar to those of previous Remembrance and Vietnam Veterans’ days, with a wreath-laying, speeches, and prayer from a representative of the Mount Isa Council of Clergy. A morning tea will be held after the ceremony.

“I encourage ex-service members to place a wreath for their particular area where they served,” Mr Nuttall said.