South-East Queensland students joined the Premier and Governor at a special ANZAC Day service this week, in the lead up to Friday’s commemoration.
Among those attending were Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) schools St William’s Primary School, Grovely and Holy Family Primary School, Indooroopilly.
BCE said the service at Brisbane’s ANZAC Square, attended by Premier David Crisafulli and Governor Jeannette Young, was an unforgettable experience for students.
“It provided students with the opportunity to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who have fought and fallen for our country, as well as the dedication of the service men and women who continue to protect us today,” BCE said in a statement.
It said across the organisation’s 146 schools, ANZAC Day will be marked with respect, gratitude and a deep sense of pride.
“From dawn services to student-led liturgies, our staff, students and parent communities pause to reflect on the sacrifices of those who served and continue to serve our country.”
In Hervey Bay, Xavier Catholic College students gathered this week for a liturgy, which featured Royal Australian Air Force serviceman Ben Reed, who spoke to students about the legacy of ANZAC Day.
He also shared how families of servicemen and women should be considered heroes for the personal and family sacrifices they make when their loved ones are deployed.
St Columba’s Primary School, Wilston are playing a special role in this year’s ANZAC Day commemorations in Vignacourt, France.
With more than 450 Australian soldiers – 16 of them from Queensland -laid to rest at a Commonwealth Memorial site in Vignacourt, students have decorated 587 commemorative crosses.
“Taken to France by Year 5 teacher Michael Fiechtner, each cross was placed at the foot of an Australian soldier’s grave by local school children, in a moving gesture of remembrance and respect,” BCE stated.
