Kokoda Day Memorial Service

On Monday, I had the privilege of being Catafalque Commander for the Kokoda Day Memorial Service at the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway. This was the first service the MLCSACU has attended since becoming our own unit, so this was a very exciting opportunity to partake in. As Catafalque Commander, I led the Catafalque party onto the memorial site where we stood and guarded the memorial site remembering the fallen soldiers. The Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway is a tribute to the Australian troops who fought against enemy numbers in the Papua New Guinea campaign between 1942-1943.

Catafalque Party and Flag Raisers

SGT Warusavitarne (Year 10)
SGT Li (Year 10)
SGT Keast (Year 10)
SGT Chantler (Year 10)
SGT Gadbsy (Year 10)
CPL Johnson (Year 10)
CPL Blake (Year 10)
CPL Abernethy (Year 10)

All the Year 10 cadets and two Year 9 cadets who signed up for Catafalque party conducted training over three days with LT(AAC) Highman and previous members of the Catafalque party. We had to learn all the correct drill and commands for the service in a very short amount of time. While only five members were selected for the Catafalque Party, there were several other important roles available, including flag raising and reserves, in case a member became unwell during the service. Additionally, as we are a new unit, we did not have a drummer as we marched. Fortunately, the conductor of the Air Force Reserves band, John Buckley, kindly offered their drummer as we entered. John Buckley was happy to hear we were from MLC School; he had three daughters who attended.

There were also a vast number of veterans and members of parliament who attended the service, and it was interesting to talk to a few of them. Overall, it was an amazing opportunity to represent the MLC School Army Cadet Unit and support the community. I would highly recommend getting involved in the Catafalque Party to any upcoming cadets who are interested.

– SGT Isabel Warusavitarne (Year 10)