Saluting the eternal Anzac spirit

By Jack Miller, Year 10, St Augustine’s College

IT’S been five score and three years since the infamous Gallipoli campaign, yet it remains ever present in our hearts as a reminder of those brave men and women who gave their lives, and continue to do so, for the preservation of the Australian and New Zealand way of life.

On Thursday, April 26, St Augustine’s College remembered these brave servicemen in its annual Anzac Day ceremony.

The Anzac spirit, forged in the early part of last century, is the guiding light which has directed our involvement in global conflict and it continues to inspire, in Australian military personnel, a sense of courage and justice.

College Captain Toby Ellison remarked upon this spirit in his introductory speech and observed: “It is a day to be inspired by the courage of those, many of whom are nameless, who have given their lives for us.”

Guest speaker, retired Warrant Officer Stephen King, also paid homage to these inspiring men and women.

In his powerful speech, he recognised four virtues – resilience, persistence, courage and faith – as being essential components in the Anzac spirit.

He also described the Siege of Tobruk in World War II, where Australian troops defended a deep sea port for more than 200 days.

These servicemen displayed those same four virtues as those who had given their lives 26 years earlier in the Gallipoli campaign.

Another speech by Academic Captain Ben Ryan paid tribute to George Trimbell, a St Augustine’s student during the 1930s who met his maker in an offensive towards the end of the war.

This annual tribute to the old boys of Saints, who have died in armed conflict, is very powerful and emotive.

It gives a strong sense of proximity to remote conflicts in distant lands.

Andrew Dorahy, bringing the ceremony to its conclusion, described the immense contribution of Sir John Monash and the anniversary of four important battles in which young Australians fought.

“They lined up for battle, row upon row, not much older than you sitting here today,” he said.

Lest we forget.