Sir John Monash Commemorative Service

Student Report - Sir John Monash Commemorative Service

On the 8th of August a small group of leaders went to the Sir John Monash Commemorative Service in Parliament. We indulged in an informative and commemorative event in honor of Sir John Monash. This included us learning the meaning behind the blue ribbon, which we wore on our right lapel. -Rosie 

The building we went to is the Parliament house in Melbourne. The meeting place is the Parliament of Victoria. The architecture was very neoclassical and made of many legislative chambers. The room we went into was the green room, also known as the House of Representatives. The room was filled with tiny bits of prestigious and fine detail and carvings of heaps of different things. There was pure gold leaf that lined the lion carvings on the roof and throughout the pillars.  -Layla 

Learning about Sir John Monash and his major significance to Victoria was incredibly beneficial to develop an understanding of revolutionary thinking and what makes a hero a hero. The speakers had all done an amazing job in highlighting Sir John Monash’s great deeds, from his innovative thinking in civil engineering, to his contribution and architecture that created ANZAC day. He was an honorable commander, leader and a great Australian. -Stella 

On the day we had the honor of seeing a range of individuals present and speak to us about Sir John Monash and his lasting contribution to Australian society. Our master of ceremonies was General Jeffrey V Rosenfeld, who is an Emeritus Professor. We were also lucky enough to have the Chairman of the Spirit of Australia Foundation, Mr James Rosenberg and Mr Nick Staikos MP the Parliamentary Secretary, representing the Premier Jacinta Allan speak to us about the significance of this service. Colonel Daniel Strack representing the Chief of Army and Brighid Sammon the 2018 Susan and Isaac Wakil John Monash Scholar talked about Monash’s achievements in both army and civilian life. Several Scotch College Army Army Cadets also read excerpts of Monash’s diary and performed the ode and the last post. Afterwards, we had morning tea in the Queen’s Hall, surrounded by portraits of past Victorian Premiers.  -Hannah 

It was an honor to be invited and to attend the Sir John Monash Commemorative Service in the Parliament House. We want to thank everyone who made this happen, including Mrs Anderson who took us to the city and attended this event with us.  -Thomas  

Reports by Roselyn Kleinman, Layla Wright, Stella Aye Pe, Hannah Wright, Thomas Burton