Ursula Frayne Catholic College, Victoria Park 2020 Head Girl, Isabel Milne and Head Boy Samuel Commins share their personal reflection of what ANZAC day 2020 means to them.
From Isabel Milne...
ANZAC Day is a continuous reminder that our lives our shaped from the past. Australian and New Zealand soldiers fought side by side on the battlefield of Gallipoli in 1915, showing great resilience, courage and bravery. With the crisis we are currently facing, we are reminded of the ANZAC spirit.
Both the Australian and New Zealand troops demonstrated that by working together and supporting each other, they could stand united against any challenges that they were confronted with. We see our health workers and social workers coming together to combat a modern-day enemy. I feel that as Australians, we embody qualities of those who fought for this beautiful nation, qualities such as fearlessness, determination and fortitude, as well as putting others before ourselves.
Over 100 years ago, the world was in chaos. Families were torn apart and loved ones were lost. I can’t imagine the pain and anguish suffered so long ago. If it wasn’t for the pain and losses, we would never be in the position that we are in today, to conquer one of the greatest challenges we face in the modern world.
Although this year is different from previous years, we can still honour and respect our fallen ANZAC’s, through online gatherings, waking up to see the sunrise and standing across from our neighbours, to remember those who gave up so much, so that we could have a better future.
From Samuel Commins...
I remember waking up at five o'clock on a cool autumn’s morning, with my freshly ironed school uniform waiting on my chair, ready for the ANZAC Day March. In the small town of Brunswick Junction the whole community would make their way to the hall to applaud us as we marched with, but in awe of the veterans that lead the parade in a World War One army jeep. We were told people were sent a long time ago to keep us safe, and we marched every year in remembrance of the ANZAC’s.
As I got older and entered high-school, I learnt more about why Anzac Day is so significant for me. I was told that my Great Great Grandfather landed at Gallipoli as a light horseman, and how he had to sacrifice his horse as part of the huge loss of war. I learnt that My Great Grandfather was a watch-man in Broome during the bombings of World War Two and my Great Uncle was drafted to fight in the jungles of Vietnam.
From then on, whenever I pinned the rising sun to my chest, I marched for them and the courage, sacrifice and determination they showed to keep our country safe.
Now that I’m in my final year of high-school, I believe ANZAC Day has taken on a new meaning for me. ANZAC Day is a reminder of the unity and camaraderie that we all share as Australians. Every year we all wake up and come together to remember those young men and women who, united only by their nation, fought bravely to protect those who would never have to fight for themselves. We all stand in unison on this day as one nation of many people that pay our respects, regardless of gender, age, background, faith or creed .
It’s through this common bond that I ask we extend our thanks and praise to our front-line soldiers who are fighting a modern-day battle, not with guns and weaponry, but with first-aid, care and humility. Their foe? A global pandemic that impacts not just Australia, but the entire world. Therefore, I say to our medical professionals, our troopers and comrades alike, we salute your dedication and service as you risk your lives and well-being for a healthier and safer Australia.
Although on this ANZAC Day we will not be able to march in solidarity or stand together in remembrance, we will be separated only by distance, as we reflect in gratitude for those heroes, both past and present that have kept and will continue to keep our nation safe.