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Sydney’s Anzac Day Dawn Service, held at Martin Place, faced an unexpected disruption due to loud booing.
In Melbourne, similar disapproval was heard at the Shrine of Remembrance during the Welcome to Country ceremony for the second consecutive year.
In Sydney, the disturbance occurred as Uncle Ray Minniecon, whose grandfather was a member of the Light Horse Brigade, was delivering the Acknowledgement of Country.
A small group of men initiated the booing, prompting a swift response from the police.
Despite the interruption, Minniecon proceeded with the Welcome to Country, receiving applause upon its completion.
Minniecon later said those who booed “should show respect to us as Traditional Owners”.
Brigadier Vincent Williams, who is the acting president of RSL NSW, said he was appalled by the boos and called the behaviour ‘loutish’.
“Such behaviour is disrespectful and entirely at odds with the sanctity and solemnity that should define this occasion,” said Williams in a statement.
“ANZAC Day is the most sacred date on our national calendar. It is a time for quiet reflection, unity and respect – to honour the service and sacrifice of all who have served our nation.It is particularly disappointing because Uncle Ray, who delivered the Acknowledgement of Country, is himself a veteran who has served Australia with pride.
“However, it was heartening to see the many thousands gathered in Martin Place respond to the unacceptable behaviour of a few with a spontaneous and respectful show of support, affording Uncle Ray a rousing round of applause. That response reflected the true spirit of ANZAC Day – one of unity, respect and shared recognition of service.
“There is no place for such disruption or disrespect on ANZAC Day. Australians rightly expect to come together in the spirit of unity, to honour service with the respect it deserves.”
A man was later arrested by NSW Police for an alleged act of nuisance.
The attendance at Martin Place was up on last year, with 11,000 attending, compared to last year’s figure of 4000.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan condemned the booing in Melbourne, saying: “To break the stillness of Dawn Service is not just ugly behaviour towards our Aboriginal servicemen and women who defended this country, it disrespects everyone who fought and died for our freedoms.
“Politicising this sacred day is bastardry. I condemn it and so should every leader.”
Services elsewhere around the country have also been taking place this morning, including on the Gold Coast, where accused war criminal Ben Roberts-Smith attended.
Roberts-Smith, who is currently on bail and has denied all charges, arrived at about 4.30am wearing a suit, and sat near the back.
Yesterday he released a statement and said: “Anzac Day is sacred to me and every other veteran. I will be attending to pay my respects and I encourage everyone else to.”
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