ANZAC DAY REFLECTION

On the 25th of April each year, we commemorate the actions and sacrifices of the Australians who landed at Gallipoli in 1915 and all who have served in the protection of Australia. This morning we held a reverent service in the Jubilee Centre to commemorate ANZAC Day led by a few of our Year 9 students. 

College Captains Jack Helgeland and Sofie Mazzotta laid a wreath on behalf of the St Mary MacKillop College at the Swan Hill ANZAC Day Service, to pay our respects to all who dedicated their lives in service and sacrifice for our country.

On the 25th of April, 1915 members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps landed in Gallipoli under heavy fire from troops of the Ottoman Empire.

While the soldiers of the expeditionary force did not accomplish their objective of securing the Gallipoli Peninsula for the Allies, the tenacity and fortitude of the men who fought and the 8000 who died over the next 8 months secured the name ANZAC in world history.

The first service to commemorate the fallen ANZACs took place on 25th April 1916, and every year since we remember all Australians who have fallen in conflicts around the world.

Prayer

Eternal Lord God we pray for the peace of the world. 

Especially we commend to your mercy the homeless and refugees; 

those who have been dispossessed and have lost their employment; 

those whose families have been disrupted and who mourn the loss of loved ones. 

We pray for the situation in Ukraine, Israel, Palestine. 

Grant that the sane and selfless councils may prevail 

in these places, and wherever there is warfare. 

For Jesus Christ’s sake. 

Amen

Reflection on Chaplain William McKenzie

As chaplain to the 1st Infantry Brigade, William, Fighting Mac McKenzie went ashore with the troops at Gallipoli. He saw horrors no man should see. He accepted responsibility with which no man should be burdened. In one three-day period, Fighting Mac conducted 647 funeral services. He was constantly in the front line -- after one funeral service he found three bullet holes in his hat. A grateful government awarded him the Military Cross for his work, a gallantry honour virtually unheard of for a military chaplain.

Shunning concerns for his own safety, he often conducted services and funerals under enemy fire. When orders came to storm the Turkish trenches Mac was urged to return to safety. Despite this, he was with the troops on their assault. At the Charge of Lone Pine, armed with only a shovel. His ‘boys’ pleaded with him to stay behind, but he replied: “Boys, I have lived with you, I’ve preached to you and I’ve prayed with you. Do you think I’m afraid to die with you?”

The Ode

They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old,

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn,

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,

We will remember them

We will remember them