Students honour Anzac legacy
Ararat Legacy has returned to being part of The 90th Annual Legacy Anzac Commemoration Ceremony for Students after two years of cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ararat branch hosted 52 students and teachers from Ararat College, Ararat’s Marian College, Stawell Secondary College, Beaufort Secondary College, Lake Bolac Secondary College and Avoca Primary School for the visit to Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance.
The party, including five Ararat legatees, joined more than 4000 people from Melbourne and across Victoria to pay their respects.
Organised by Melbourne Legacy, the day is an opportunity for a younger generation to give thanks to the men and women whose love of their country and sacrifice in wartime enabled Australians to live in peace and freedom today.
Victorian Governor Linda Dessau AM was unable to attend due to having COVID-19 but sent a message to the students about the past and becoming future leaders.
The Governor reminded everyone of the massive toll the First World War had on Australia’s young people and the loss of 60,000 lives and about 156,000 who were badly wounded or taken prisoner.
Commemoration has since involved the cost of the Second World War and conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and in peacekeeping duties.
Melbourne Legacy president Kerry Jenke also reminded people of the work Legacy had done for many with caring for the families of service personnel.
As part of the ceremony, student representatives from schools attending laid wreaths.
After the service, students, teachers and legatees visited the many exhibits within the Shrine of Remembrance.
Ararat Legacy president Christine Doak who attended the ceremony said: “It is so pleasing that after two years, Ararat Legacy Club has been able to offer this opportunity to our regional students with the support of the Victoria Government Project Remembrance funding.
“It is so important they can be part of the keeping the Anzac spirit alive for all our future generations.”