RSL Liaisons

In Week 2, Ella Falzon and I were extremely privileged to travel with RSL liaison officers from Padua, Wavell SHS, Kedron SHS, and Craigslea SHS on the annual ANZAC Day tour in Canberra.  Accompanied by Rod and Greg (our two veterans), Ms Bopf, and Ms Potter, we embarked on an experience we will be forever grateful to have shared.  Many unforgettable moments and lifelong memories were made during the trip.

On day two we woke up at the sprightly hour of 3am for the Anzac Day Dawn service at Duntroon (Australia’s Military College).  At a temperature of two degrees, the service was conducted with immense respect and dignity.  It was a real eye opener into Australia's continuous dedication to the ANZAC spirit and our everlasting honour towards those who have fallen in defence of this nation.  To continue this momentous day, we viewed the Veterans' March outside the War Memorial, where we witnessed past veterans, current servicemen and women, and young cadets march for their divisions.  As a first-time witness, it made us feel proud to be a citizen of a country strengthened by bravery and mateship.  We also were incredibly lucky to meet with the Governor-General, David Hurley, after the parade, who was very open in telling us stories about his time in the army and various interesting stories about World War 2! 

We did, of course, take part in several sightseeing opportunities, such as visiting Mt Ainslie, and doing guided tours and interactive activities at New and Old, Parliament Houses, and the Royal Australian Mint, where we made our own ‘under the sea’ coins, and a drive-by tour of the embassies located around Capital Hill.  

Other attractions we visited were the CSIRO, National Capital Exhibition, Black Mountain and Telstra Tower, and the National Archives.  However, our favourite and most memorable tour was the ANZAC Parade monuments.  As a collective, we were all incredibly moved by the intricacies of each commemorative site and the opportunity to listen to the stories behind the design.  We ended our trip at the War Memorial, where we were given a tour through each war precinct.  It was an emotional experience that truly outlines the great sacrifices of many and the importance of preserving this history.  Finally, we watched the Last Post Ceremony outside the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  It was both a fantastic experience and a heartfelt ceremony, and we were very fortunate to be there to listen to the story of a young brave soldier. 

Although all of these attractions were exciting places to visit, half the fun was had back at our cabins, where we spent hours playing tennis, eating fairy bread, going on a freezing cold late-night swim, competing in a VERY heated trivia game, snacking on our Coles goodies, and bonding with one another.  Additionally, we were given the opportunity to hear the stories from our two veterans, Rod and Greg, who both recounted their experiences in the army and the mateship that has continued to this day.

This trip will forever be at the forefront of our minds leading into the future.  The friendships we have formed, the stories we have shared, and the knowledge with which we have been imparted has made us realise the values of mateship, courage, and determination.  Sharing this experience with two veterans has also taught us the importance of discipline, and we learned a trick or two about creating dad jokes.  We shall forever cherish this fantastic trip!

Isabella Kasparian

Year 11 Student