On Thursday, 22^nd April, Year 6 students from the Auburn campus represented Sule College at the Schools ANZAC Service held at the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park. All school sectors in NSW were represented by many students who travelled from near and far, to celebrate what is perhaps Australia’s most important national occasion.

The Service included the features of a typical ANZAC Day ceremony… the stand-to, Last Post, Reveille, hymn, prayer, speeches, the laying of wreaths, and so forth. This year marks the 75^th year of the opening of the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park; so at the conclusion of the Service, all participants were given an opportunity to cast a ‘Star of Remembrance’ in the Well of Contemplation in honour of a serviceman or woman who served their nation in war.

We were all given ample opportunities to reflect on and honour the great sacrifices made by all men and women who served their nations. As mentioned in all the addresses given during the Service, ANZAC Day is not only an anniversary of the landing on Gallipoli in 1915, but is a time when Australians reflect on the many different meanings of war. It is on this day that we remember all the servicemen and women who have served and lost their lives in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations, both in the past and at present. We are also reminded of the human qualities of the spirit of ANZAC – courage, mateship, and sacrifice.

This day, I believe, reminds us yet again that we need to learn from what history has shown us. We need to rid our hearts and minds of hatred towards those nations that our people have fought against. Instead, we need to learn from the past, and with greater tolerance and respect, we must work harmoniously to ensure history does not repeat itself. Nonetheless, it is through the great sacrifices made in the past that we are able to enjoy the opportunities available in today’s society.