PROSERPINE Old Cemetery filled with more than 50 people, last Tuesday, June 28.
Family members of Trooper Patrick Brady travelled from all over Queensland to take part in the Commonwealth War Grave Service.
Patrick Brady No: 50271, 11th Light Horse Regiment, enlisted on 14.2.1918 and returned to Australia on 28.8.1919.
He took part in the last cavalry charge using sabres, at the battle of Samakh. He passed away on 13.6.1971.
At the Commemorative Service, two members of the under 16 Australian Horseball team, Erin and Katie, took time out of their training schedule to commence the ceremony.
A ‘Welcome to Country’ by Patrick’s daughter, Aunty Patsy, was followed by two grandsons paying their respects in song and words.
Warrant Officer David Boye travelled down from Townsville and was guest speaker.
He spoke of the Indigenous soldier’s journey, from Patrick to today’s modern soldier.
The ‘Last Post’ and ‘Revelry’ were played by Bryce Fraser, bringing the military service to its conclusion.
Quota provided morning tea, while many stories were exchanged of Patrick’s life in Proserpine.
From cane cutting to football games, family and friends reminisced.