The devastated family of soldier Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon, who died during a military drill earlier this morning, has paid tribute to him at a funeral service in New South Wales’ Hunter region.
Hundreds of people, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Defence Minister Richard Marles and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, gathered at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Cessnock for his funeral today.
The young soldier was remembered as a ”larrikin” and the “gold standard” by his loved ones as his parents and siblings paid tribute to him in a pre-recorded message.
“March 6th was the worst day of my life. Our hearts were broken that night,” his father Joel said.
“We took good comfort in knowing Jack died doing something he loved, and in service to his country.”
Hunter Valley MP Dan Repacholi spoke at the service, saying Fitzgibbon was a “dedicated, courageous and selfless” soldier who will be “forever remembered”.
“Jack did what many people don’t do for this country. He served. He served as a soldier and this just shows how dangerous being a soldier can be,” he said.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to all other soldiers who are serving in the defence right now. We need to make sure we do our best to look after all people who are serving.”
