Security concerns only strengthened Queenslanders' enthusiasm for Anzac Day with massive crowds showing their support and admiration on a revered centenary.
Undeterred, more than 40,000 - the biggest attendances in recent generations - turned out for both Brisbane's dawn service and street parade on Saturday to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing.
Larger-than-usual numbers also turned out for separate services and marches around the state, from the Gold Coast - where thousands hit the beach at Currumbin's Elephant Rock - to Cape York.
"It's been spectacular," said RSL office-bearer Wendy James, who presided over Brisbane's parade. "It's bigger and better than it's been for a long time."
People lined the streets six deep in Brisbane's CBD for the three-hour march that included Brisbane's 9000-strong army brigade from their Gallipoli Barracks at Enoggera.
Before the sun rose, men, women and children stood shoulder to shoulder as they packed out Anzac Square and King George Square for the 4.28am dawn service - forcing many to watch on erected screens at Queen St Mall.
Police had a highly visible presence after heightened security fears following threats to attack an Anzac Day event in Melbourne, plus growing terror concerns around the world.
But for many marchers and flag-wavers, it only stiffened their resolve.
"It just shows who we are, and we've rocked out regardless of these threats," said former naval marine technician Richard Lawson, 25.
"We have just proven ourselves to be the good, right sort of people."
Meta Meta, who served in the New Zealand armed forces in one tour of duty to Vietnam in 1969-70, overcame his own serious fears to march with his four-year-old granddaughter Emily.
The Brisbane resident of 30 years said many felt compelled to participate considering the spectre of Islamic State atrocities.
"(The march) was bigger and a bit better this year because a lot of us were worried about what's happening around the world," he said.
Fire ants and flag-burners also did their best, but failed, to disrupt commemorations.
Goodna's dawn service - with a re-enactment of the Gallipoli landing - only went ahead after biosecurity officers laid out hay bales to keep the ants away after nests were found on the banks of the Brisbane River.
Gold Coast man Peter Di Iorio was given a police escort out of the Brisbane CBD after being banned from attending for burning the Australian flag in front of the Shrine of Remembrance.
Share
