Special Guests for ANZAC Day Service
Our College commemorated ANZAC Day early this year and we were blessed to have three very special guests attend and participate in our ceremony.
We welcomed back our Patron of History, Mr Kevin Fowler and he led us through the Ode of Remembrance, The Last Post and The Rouse. Mr Michael Baker, one of our College Music Tutors, played the bugle for The Last Post and The Rouse. Visitors, Staff and Students all commented how having a War Veteran lead the Ode and have The Last Post and The Rouse played live, had a great and wonderful impact on those attending the ANZAC Ceremony.
Our guest speaker was Commander Paul Tucker, RAN and he not only described the work that our armed forces do for our country, but he also explained to us what the ANZAC spirit meant. Here is an extract from his address that explains what this means…
“But what does the ANZAC spirit actually mean? And what should it mean to you? Students, I put it to you that it’s more than just a word, it describes qualities found in everyday Australians, not just men and women serving in the Profession of Arms. It can be applied by all of us in our everyday lives.
The ANZAC spirit represents a sense of purpose and direction. The original ANZAC’s knew what they had to do, they knew the dangers and the difficulties that they would face, but they dug in and did not let those difficulties stop them from executing their objective. …
Now students, you too can apply this in your everyday life. You know what work needs to be done at school and you know what jobs your parents have set you around the house. No matter how difficult things might become, think of the ANZAC’s and their fighting spirit, dig deep, push those difficulties to one side, and accomplish your task.
The ANZAC spirit also represents an acceptance of responsibility. ……Take responsibility for everything you do. It is easy to say ‘I did that’ or ‘that’s my work’ when everything goes right, but sometimes things don’t quite go to plan. Sometimes you do something that is against the wishes of your parents or teachers. When this happens, remember the ANZAC spirit, and take responsibility for what you are doing or what you have done. For only You can take responsibility for your actions, you should celebrate your wins, but you need to own your losses.
The ANZAC spirit also includes a sense of compassion. This is often referred to by Australians as a sense as mateship. This means we watch out for our mates; we help them at all times, we pick them up if they fall, and support them when they’re having a bad day…. don’t ever pick on someone for being different than you, or for being less fortunate or defenceless. That person may one day save your life in the heat of battle or be there when you just need a friend.
So, when somebody asks you what the ANZAC SPIRIT is all about, you can now say it’s about purpose and direction, acceptance of responsibility, and a sense of compassion and mateship. You might also use words like Honour, Integrity, Courage, Trust and Selflessness.
Like every other person in Australia I pray to our Lord and Saviour, that we will never again be involved in another great war – but students, the message that I leave you with here today, is that you don’t need a war to demonstrate the ANZAC spirit, you don’t need a war to honour the men and woman who gave, or continue to give their lives to ensure our freedom. You don’t need a war to demonstrate courage or selflessness. You can do this at home, in the classroom or on the playground. It’s up to you.”
ANZAC Day is a very special occasion of remembrance on our college calendar and we are very grateful for the service our special guests gave to us.
Lest we forget.
