On Wednesday our College came together to commemorate ANZAC Day, welcoming many of our ADF parents who attended in uniform and were accompanied by their Defence child/ren. Defence parents who are currently away due to Deployment or posting were also acknowledged, with their child/ren bringing forward their service hats. Our Defence parents were escorted into the Hall by our JPC Cadets lead by Leading Cadet Jacob Randell-Sly. Our Cadets practised for many hours and it certainly showed as they performed with precision and were a brilliant enhancement to our Ceremony. Well done Jacob, Thomas, Khakan, Kyeton, Darshan, Isobel, Tara, Amity, Sean, Muhammad and Jackson.

Wing Commander Glen Graham, Air Advisor for Australia, New Zealand High Commission, gave a moving and heartfelt commemorative speech, on the significance of ANZAC Day. He spoke of his Uncle Jack who fought in the trenches in Dieppe, France in 1918. At age 22 Jack was gassed and was cared for by Matron Ethel Gray-Watson. His family have the handwritten letter from the Matron assuring them they were caring for him and that he was amongst friends. Wing Commander Graham then spoke of his own years as a RAF pilot during the “Cold War” and then being deployed to the Arabian Gulf, leaving behind his young family. He spoke candidly of a battle when he and his crew achieved their outcome and started cheering, suddenly followed by a long silence of reflection. Wing Commander Graham’s speech focussed on the value of friends and our College’s values, which are parallel to the values of our (and New Zealand) Defence Force. He urged our students to aspire to those values throughout their life – to be good people and make the best friends.

The Ode was expertly recited by one of our Defence parents Group Captain Paul Harte and Commander Richard Elsom laid a wreath on behalf of the JPC community in memory of the ANZACs who lost their lives. We were also fortunate to have Bugler, Musician Benjamin Lim from the Band of the Royal Military College, Duntroon perform a faultless and haunting rendition of the Last Post and Rouse. Fr Thonn, kindly opened and closed our Ceremony, which was the second Ceremony our Parish Priest had attended that day (having been present for the HSP Ceremony).

Our beautiful music was provided by Ms Robinson, Ms Taylor (HSP) and Miss Kalokerinos (HSP) who united the very talented voices of the HSP Choir and the JPC Vocal Group. Our own JPC Band provided the music and Defence student Tom Williams voice for “Can you hear Australia’s Heroes marching?” song was a special addition. Mention should be made of the New Zealand National Anthem which was performed to perfection and was certainly appreciated by our Kiwi guests.

JPC students were respectful throughout our Ceremony and I hope they have taken home some understanding of the importance and significance of this important occasion.

What is the significance of ANZAC Day? For our Guest speaker at today’s ceremony, it is the opportunity to reflect on the immediate and longer-term consequences of war/conflict and to try to not repeat the mistakes of war. As young adults, our students are asked to seek the truth, challenge, research and respect the opinions of others. To aspire to the values of Justice, Peace and Courage throughout their lives.

How will you be choosing to commemorate ANZAC Day this year?

The Australian War Memorial’s National Ceremonies will be held on Sunday and unfortunately, tickets for these two Ceremonies are no longer available. However, there are lots of ways you can honour and observe our special day. The AWM have lots of interesting ideas on their ANZAC at Home website. Information about where to watch ANZAC Day, how to remember with your family or friends and posting a virtual poppy.

Follow this link to post a virtual poppy https://lestweforget.gov.au/#/

Follow this link to the ANZAC at Home webpage for all the information https://www.awm.gov.au/anzacathome

Open Arms are encouraging us all to #Check5  

Don’t forget to check in with 5 people this ANZAC Day. For more information about how to connect with mates visit their website - https://www.openarms.gov.au/check-5

Take the time to come together this ANZAC Day to remember and honour our past and present Defence Force Personnel and their families.

May we always remember them and honour their spirit. Lest we forget.

Vicki Walsh
Defence School Mentor