ANZAC Day

Remembering ANZAC Day has always been an important tradition for our school, but this year there was no assembly, no wreath laying ceremony and I had no speech to write. However, although ANZAC Day looked very different from those past, its significance increased for us all.

As I have stated many times: ANZAC Day, originally a commemoration of the landing of Australian and New Zealand forces at Gallipoli on the 25th April 1915, has grown to become perhaps the most important national day in Australia. In addition to acknowledging the service and sacrifice of all Australians who have served in war or on peacekeeping operations, ANZAC Day has become core to the identity of Australia itself. A day on which Australians reflect on the ANZAC spirit and the qualities we as a nation value and believe in.

Dr Brendan Nelson, when he was director of the Australian War Memorial two years ago, remarked that “every nation has its story and ANZAC Day is ours”. David Hurley, in an article published in the Canberra Times, several years ago before he was appointed Governor General, went further when he affirmed that:

ANZAC Day has become universal within Australia no matter what your cultural heritage, because it is a day to remember the strength of the human spirit ... it [is] not a day about heroes and heroic deeds but a time to appreciate those without a chest of medals, ordinary Australians who did their job when a job needed doing.

These words are even more important to remember in these challenging times, where we need to do what needs to be done so we can support each other through the toughest times. Holding onto traditions at a time when everything else seems to be “up in the air”, provides normality and structure that many of us need now more than ever. It also reminds us that sacrifices from some Australians continue to me made, as many of our health care workers and emergency services face a new “front line”.

Despite the restrictions that prevented us from gathering together, we still remembered the ANZACs and acknowledged this special day. All Australians were encouraged to replicate the moments silence in the Dawn service; to stand with heads bowed, at the end of their driveway, on their balcony or in their lounge room, on Saturday at 6am to commemorate those who died, served, or are still serving.

At Dandenong High School on Friday 24th April, the Mr Collier (School Council President), Mr Dewar and I laid three wreaths at the foot of our lone pine in the ANZAC garden, on behalf of staff, students and parents. Although we could not share in the experience as in previous years, we were united in spirit.

Mrs Ogden

Principal