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The scene soon after official ceremony May 1 .
However, the wreaths about Townsville's official Coral Sea Battle memorial at 3pm on Monday May 8 presented a sad picture of official neglect . While it is accepted that flowers fade , you would think that somebody in authority-the Townsville City Council , Townsville Enterprise Limited , RSL and Navy League - had enough nous to daily check the site to see that things were in order . |
One of the stand out unsatisfactory situations was the LEST WE FORGET wreath , above photo , consisting of a banner in a circle of poppies , tipped on its side . The sash on the wreath from the United States , centre , was twisted and obscured . Cards bearing the names of those who placed floral tributes , including the Governor-General and wife, had become twisted . Leaves from surrounding trees had been blown into the array .
The wreath laying took place in a dawn ceremony on Anzac Park and if the floral tributes continue to be left unchecked for much longer they will present an even sorrier sight and continue to reflect badly on the garrison town . Don't expect the local media to pick up this story as it involves actually going to the waterfront-an apparent no go zone, repeatedly revealed by our S(h)ipping Reporter . Meanwhile , the forgotten Coral Sea aircraft carrier anchor nearby , donated to Townsville by the USA to mark the 50th anniversary of the battle , continues to rust , its badly corroded plaques unable to be read .
