ANZAC Day Liturgy
Margaret Marton
Humanities Teacher
On the 26th of April, the 2022 ANZAC Memorial was held at St Mary’s Catholic College in the Nazareth Pavilion. The memorial was organised by the Year 9 History teachers and students for the remembrance of those who fought in wars for their country. Over 30 History students spoke, sang or played music in this event and every student in the class contributed in some way.
Various special guests attended this Memorial. They were Brigadier George Mansford [AO], Sergeant Kym Walker and Sergeant David Kim from the 51st Army Battalion, and Midshipman Bob Atkinson TS Endeavor Australian Navy Cadets . Brigadier Mansford gave the Main Address in which he reminded us all that we needed discipline, respect for each other and our beliefs, and a love and pride in our country and way of life. An overview of his speech follows, along with the poem he wrote for St Mary’s ANZAC Memorial. This poem, entitled “The ANZACs Are Watching”, was recited by six students to the whole Assembly.
The music was very special for this memorial. Both instrumental students and the choir combined to create the St Mary’s Ensemble which led the College in the National Anthem and played the famous WW1 Hymn, Abide With Me. The St Mary’s Choir sang the beautiful peace song Dona Nobis Pacem: Give us Peace, which is very fitting in these times of trouble in Ukraine.
Twelve cadets from 134ACU Army, 104SQN Air Force and TS Endeavour Navy cadet units marched the wreath to the College Memorial Garden and guarded the Australian flag during this commemoration. They were led by the senior army cadet Dylan Arkey and all did an outstanding job. The college captains, Nicholas Adriaans and Hannah Sawyer, lit the candle and marched behind the cadets to lay the wreath.
The final segment of this event had everyone paying their respects with their silence, listening to the Ode, and hearing the haunting music of the Last Post and Rouse played on trumpet by Andrew Oxford.
Shameah Blanco-Enoch, one of the Year 9 MCs for the memorial, stated “I believe that the ceremony was well organised and honoured the ANZACS in a commemorative way. It was great to see all our special guests attend, especially Brigadier Mansford. We were very flattered that he could attend and share some words about our future.” Cameron Fairbairn, the other MC commented, “The poem created by Brigadier Mansford was inspiring and enlightened us on what the ANZACS did for us and how we can take it into our daily lives”
The whole Year 9 History class were honoured to pay respect to those who sacrificed their lives to protect their family and our nation. Lest we forget!
Message from the ANZACs for Tomorrow’s Leaders
THE ANZACS ARE WATCHING
Amid constant gloom and distant frowns
Increasing debt, and heads drooping down
Comes a time when a youngster will ask
“Am I ready for life’s tasks?”
The answer of course is so very clear
Think of the ANZACS who showed no fear
Cos they were Aussies, no different to you
Young, eager, larrikins and ever true blue -
You too will have doubts but hardly a frown
Despite dangers, heads high and never looked down
Always a school’s battle cry, “do the best we can”
If all goes wrong in studies, stay cool; revise the plan
No matter the task, doubts, risks or cruel weather
You still go forward; all young Australians together
Even if cursed evil darkens the day
With love of country as your torch, you’ll find the way
Look out for each other; you are all part of the team
Your sword is faith and unity, forever sharp and keen
Seek tomorrow’s laughter and comforting sunlight
Go forward with love, not hate and for what is right
Take your kit bag of knowledge and reasoning with you
Both given free over years by parents and teachers too
Tell all of your respect for our precious way of life
Created with sweat, blood and pain in times of strife
George Mansford © April 2022
Mayu Yoshida, Alana Dunn, Clarise Mercado and Mrs Marton – Year 9.2 History
