Members of NUSQN 725 commemorated Anzac Day with a dawn service and wreath laying ceremony in Jacksonville, Florida.
Jacksonville’s Memorial Park and World War statue played host to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) contingent currently stationed in Jacksonville.
Located on the shores of the mighty Saint Johns River, the Memorial Park provided a fitting venue for the dawn service.
The ceremony was attended by the Commanding Officer of the United States Navy (USN) Naval Air Station (NAS) in Jacksonville, Commanding Officers of NAS Jacksonville based USN squadrons, representatives from the Jacksonville Mayor’s office, and families and friends of the Royal Australian Navy members stationed in Jacksonville.
Commanding Officer of NUSQN 725, Commander David Frost gave a speech during the ceremony where he remarked on the significance of Anzac Day, the sacrifices made by those initial ANZACs and how their actions instilled a cultural identity within the young nation of Australia.
During his speech, Commander Frost highlighted the positive working relationship between the RAN and the USN.
“The close relationship shared between the Royal Australian Navy and the United States Navy continues to be strengthened by the daily operations of those currently stationed in Jacksonville,” he said.
For the members of NUSQN 725, it was a solemn time to reflect on the sacrifices of all those that have served and a time to remember those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice whilst serving their country. It was also a time to think about those that are currently serving in areas of operations both ashore and at sea.
The Jacksonville Anzac Day ceremony included a minute’s silence, recital of the Ode and a bugler playing the Last Post. In recognition of the attending squadrons, the ceremony concluded with the playing of the national anthems of the United States and Australia.
On completion of the service, members of NUSQN 725 were joined by their families and USN counterparts for a breakfast onboard NAS Jacksonville.
[mappress] Press Release, May 5, 2014; Image: Australian Navy