Speech evokes a nation’s spirit

LOCHIE Brabon, aged 10, made this speech at Black River Anzac Dawn Service on Wednesday.

It really should be compulsory reading for everyone:

“Welcome to the Black River Anzac Memorial Service.

“We are here to honour the soldiers and animals, past and present, who have courageously united and committed themselves on our behalf, in order to protect our freedom and peace in Australia.

“Yet at home we are letting them down.

“Every day there seems to be more fighting and bullying happening in our country.

“Today, while we are together, I am hoping that we can unite to spread kindness, courage and respect towards one another.

“And especially unite to respect the laws of this country.

“And ... to respect the service people who are employed to make sure we uphold them.

“We need to get the courage to challenge the bullies and to stand up for their victims.

“And if you are a bully, have the courage to face up to yourself and change.

“Out of respect for our soldiers we need to uphold the values that they have so bravely protected for us.

“In the name of the Anzac spirit. “Lest we forget.” ANTHONY WARD,

Mt Low.