ANZAC Vigil

Aberfoyle Park High School participation in the Morphett Vale ANZAC Vigil

On the evening of Monday 24 April, student leaders and representatives Konon and Julia joined teacher Ellen Glass and myself at the Morphett Vale ANZAC youth vigil.

The service was run specifically for students in the area, incorporating the services of organisations such as the Scouts, army cadets, surf life-saving clubs and the SES. These groups combined during the evening to provide an honour guard surrounding the monument. Our state Member of Parliament, various local dignitaries and students from schools in the Onkaparinga area laid wreaths and candles in remembrance of all past and present members of the armed forces.

The services were both beautiful and sombre, capturing the significance of the sacrifice of our fallen service personnel, as well as the great esteem in which they are held by the community. Tribute was also paid to service personnel who have served in a range of more recent service missions across the world, and to those who continue to serve. Konon and Julia did us proud with their sincere and considered contribution to the vigil.

Sound the Last Post again, lest we forget 

the freedom that we cherish has been bought -

not found like mushrooms in the field; the debt

is ours to pay, mindful of those who fought 

and fell - yet still they held the torch aloft!

 May we remain as zealous to withstand

 the traitors who would make our fibres soft, 

as well as enemies beyond the land.

The trumpet has the power to move us still,

and though the debris of a flood of years

lies over hand and mind, an aching thrill

comes rising perilously close to tears.

 Sound the Last Post to hold the memory bright,

then sound the Rouse and keep the torch alight.

Sonnet For ANZAC Day

Alf Wood