LEST WE FORGET Unmarked Soldier Recognised At Flag Laying

The 2025 flag laying ceremony held a particularly moving moment this year, as the service of an unmarked soldier was finally recognised.

More than 400 flags were placed at the Proserpine Cemetery during the annual tribute, with a special cross erected at the previously unmarked grave of Andrew William Anderson. Until now, his resting place bore no headstone, no sign of his service.

Lyn Burke, founder of the flag laying tradition, emphasised the importance of remembering every service man and woman, saying it’s vital to ensure no one is forgotten.

400 Flags Laid And Soldier Found

Old Proserpine Cemetery is full of unmarked graves, and Lyn Burke and Lloyd Fox are still on a mission to find the names of all ex-serving military personnel whose bodies are located in these graves today.

Andrew William Anderson was a Bowen man that enlisted into the service at age 40.

On the voyage to England, Anderson contracted mumps, then spent time in training battalions, battling further illness, including influenza and scabies.

A fractured thigh bone ultimately ended his military hopes, and he was sent back to Australia without ever reaching the front lines.

Despite never seeing combat, Anderson’s willingness to serve is now being acknowledged.

During the 2025 flag laying ceremony, a cross was placed on his previously unmarked grave, finally giving recognition to a soldier whose sacrifice had long gone unnoticed.

Years ago, when Lyn and Lloyd started their flag laying tradition it was just the two of them, and the pair recalled how it had taken them hours to lay all the flags. Now the community get behind the annual event and this year the 122 Army Cadet Unit Proserpine Detachment attended for the first time.

Lieutenant Chris Saunders from 122 Army Cadet Unit Proserpine Detachment said it was a huge honour to attend and assist in the flag laying ceremony, and the assembly of the cross for Andrew William Anderson.

“It's surprising, even to myself and the major of Mackay that 400 flags are being laid today,” he added.

“That's an awful big representation for a town the size of Proserpine, to have 400 ex serving members being honoured with flags today.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity, and we'll be here again next year.”

Lyn said the flag laying is all about letting the community know that these service men and women are here, and just how many there are in the region.

“This to honour these men and women and also let our community know that they are here,” said Lyn.

“Most people don't realise how many servicemen we have in this area, or what they went through, or what they did for us.

“We do it so anyone can come and have a look and see all of these people.

“Not everyone's got a symbol, this one here is the greatest example. There is nothing that tells you that this person here was in the military.

“Nothing says that for you, but having a flag next to him, you can see that person was.”

The ceremony is always the weekend before ANZAC Day, and the flags are kept up for two weeks afterwards so people can see and acknowledge all of those in the Old and New Proserpine Cemetery that served for this country.

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122 Army Cadet Unit Proserpine Detachment with the now recognised soldiers grave. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

Young people from Proserpine State High School and Whitsunday Swimming Club were at the flag laying

Laying the flags

122 Army Cadet Unit Proserpine Detachment Cadets hammering in the cross for Andrew William Anderson

Photo credit Daniel Heggie

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