ANZAC Day Remembrance at Allegra: Honouring Sacrifice and Valour
On Friday, 12th April, Allegra held a poignant ANZAC Day ceremony, orchestrated by history teacher Aaron, to educate students about the day's significance and pay tribute to the sacrifices of Australian and New Zealand service members. ANZAC veteran Dick Braithwaite, who served in the ADF and had two sons serve in Afghanistan, delivered a powerful message about the enduring importance of the phrase 'Lest we forget.'
The ceremony commenced with a heartfelt welcome to students, staff, and guests, emphasising the importance of respect throughout the event. Laine delivered the Acknowledgement of Country, recognising the traditional custodians of the land. ANZAC Day was eloquently explained by Jay's insightful discussion on the reasons behind commemorating this solemn day. Angela Mansbridge then spoke about the ANZAC Spirit, highlighting the values of courage, mateship, and sacrifice.
A poignant moment ensued with Trish Reeves' poem, "We Remember Those on ANZAC Day," followed by Ace's reading of "In Flanders Fields," setting a reverent tone. The highlight of the event was Dick Braithwaite's address, sharing his personal experiences and those of his family, underscoring the importance of honouring and remembering the sacrifices made by service members.
Musical accompaniment was provided by ex-student Dara, who played the bagpipes, adding a solemn and respectful ambiance to the ceremony. The Last Post was played, followed by a minute of silence, during which students were reminded to face west as a mark of respect.
Special thanks were extended to all participants, including speakers Laine, Angela, Jay, and Ace, as well as Dara for his musical contribution. A heartfelt thank you was also given to SLSO's Danielle and Reggie for their efforts in making ANZAC biscuits with the students, adding a special touch to the commemoration. The ANZAC Day ceremony at Allegra was a poignant and respectful event, honouring the past and inspiring future generations to remember and reflect.