A good turn-out at Tweed Heads

War veterans at the Tweed Heads and Coolangatta Service.

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Tweed Remembrance Day services

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NAVY Lieutenant Commander John Griffin remembered the fallen among yesterday’s crowd at Chris Cunningham Park.

The Tweed Heads and Coolangatta RSL sub-branch secretary said he was pleased with the Remembrance Day turn-out.

“It’s an important day,” said Lt-Commander Griffin, who is still active in the Royal Australian Navy Reserves.

“It takes second place to Anzac Day but it’s becoming more and more important for people to remember.

“To echo the words of the NSW RSL president, the most important thing for us is to remember not only those that served and lost their lives in World War I but every involvement we’ve had since and all those that are still serving.”

Lt-Commander Griffin has served on and off in the Navy Reserves since 1977, due to work commitments, including his time as general manager of the Tweed Shire Council.

“Remembrance Day is a chance to think about those who have lost their lives or are still serving because they’re not enjoying the lifestyle we are today.”

His grandfather and father were in the Australian Army and served in World War I and II respectively.

Fortunately they both came home but Lt-Commander Griffin said his grandfather, like many other war veterans, was never the same.

Lt-Commander Griffin’s last activity with the reserve was on the Mediation Panel for the Department of Defence.

The Tweed Heads and Coolangatta Remembrance Service was run by sub-branch president Joe Russell.

Tweed MP Justine Elliot read the address to community and Reverend John Wessel did the call to remembrance and benediction.