Call to arms from an ex-serviceman | Rockhampton News | Local News in Rockhampton
Call to arms from an ex-serviceman
Bruce Simpson thinks anti-war protesters like Bryan Law will put people in danger.
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FORMER Rockhampton soldier Bruce Simpson yesterday put out a call to arms to ex-servicemen in the city as tensions escalate ahead of Sunday's community open day for Talisman Saber.
Mr Simpson said he was going to gather as many ex-servicemen as possible to join him in a protest against the protesters.
With police yesterday vowing to monitor the situation, Mr Simpson, a former Rockhampton councillor, said he was insulted by a plan by notorious protester Bryan Law for objectors to dress up as a “dead family” and attend the event.
The open day will feature a host of military displays and aircraft fly-by's and comes ahead of the two week exercise at Shoalwater Bay which starts on Monday and will involve about 24,000 US and Australian troops.
Mr Simpson said he had spoken to a number of ex-servicemen who were not happy about the protesters.
“I find that he (Law) is insulting to my family and my friends,” Mr Simpson said.
“My father was killed in the navy and I have a lot of friends from Korea and from Vietnam that died and one thing we don't want is a fool like this discrediting the families.”
Mr Law said he and his group of about eight people would dress up as civilian families and use red paint to simulate blood.
“We will create a scene that represents the consequence of using military equipment and we will be handing out leaflets,” he said.
“We are using a lot of red paint ... I imagine police will try and move us on. How far we resist, we have yet to talk about.”
Rockhampton police Inspector Darren Sommerville said police would monitor the situation on the day.
“Protestors have the right to lawfully protest as long as they don't impede anyone going about their business or upset members of the public.”
Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Brad Carter said council acknowledged the right of community members to protest but encouraged them to do so in a safe and non-offensive manner.
“I urge protesters to not put themselves or members of the defence force at risk,” he said yesterday.
“I do not support any incursion or trespassing into the military zone.”
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