ANZAC DAY VIGILS

On 25 April, Australians and New Zealanders gather at dawn services across both countries to honour and remember those who have served and who continue to serve in the armed forces. On 24 April, school captains Freya Paton, Ben Akers, Jordan Blanksby and student representative Kass Buttfield, in the company of Ms Ellen Glass, attended ANZAC youth vigils in Morphett Vale and Blackwood. The services were run specifically for students in the areas, while organisations such as youth cadets, surf life saving clubs and the scouts made up the honour guards surrounding the monuments. Students laid wreaths and candles in remembrance of all past and present members of the armed forces.

Each RSL club held beautiful services, paying tribute to those who have served. Significantly, tribute was also paid to service men and women who have served in more recent peacekeeping missions across the Pacific and in Afghanistan, and to those who continue to serve. The President of Morphett Vale RSL, Ron Payne, spoke about the importance of veterans' mental health, and recognised the support of veterans' families in challenging times.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, get dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields

In Flanders Fields

John McCrae