Another special event for ANZAC commemorations at East Loddon P-12 College
On Friday 24th April we had the pleasure of hosting a service commemorating ANZAC day. We were fortunate to have several special guests attending including the Loddon Shire mayor Dan Straub, past President of Mitiamo – East Loddon RSL Sub-branch Ian Anderson, Senior Constable Brett Vine, School Council President Sharon Lister and Parent Association Erica Potter.
The assembly was led by school captain Blake and sub-school captains Jack H, Mary and Jack P. Our ‘travelling captains’ Keira and Matilda also sent a video message from Turkey.
The Multi-Purpose Room had been beautifully decorated with poppies and coloured-in wreaths to add a sombre but positive feeling to the occasion.
The school student leaders presented some information about our school’s links with Gallipoli, including the Aleppo pine tree at the front of the school and the several tours our staff and students had made of Türkiye, including the current tour that was happening at that time.
Mrs Krahe and Mr Wilkinson spoke about their memories of visiting the Gallipoli Peninsula. We also watched some video messages sent from Türkiye from our students who were visiting there. To see messages from these locations, especially the beach where the ANZACS actually landed, was incredibly powerful and moving!
Formal parts of the ceremony included Mr. Anderson reciting the Ode to the Fallen, Mary and Jack reading the poems ‘In Flanders Fields’ and the response – ‘Keep the Faith’, and Jack reading the ‘ANZAC Requiem’.
Wreaths were laid at the flagpole to the background music of the bagpipes and drum played by Glen Ray and his grandson Ewan. We were fortunate to have former staff member Norm Gray play the Last Post and Reville on his well-travelled bugle – it has been used in serving units and played at places such as Gallipoli, Tobruk and the Australian War Memorial.
The minute silence was a chance for reflection of the sacrifice of those who have served.
We thank all who were able to attend what was a moving ceremony commemorating one of the most significant days on the Australian calendar.
