Henry’s school held an ANZAC memorial service today since yesterday was the public holiday.
As the students walked to the assembly, a man was playing the bagpipes.
The principal started the service with only brief remarks, and then had two students read the history of the events of April 25, 1915. Their version was more complete than the one I heard at the city service yesterday and they did an excellent job.
As the Reveille was played on trumpet, two students reverently walked together to place a wreath at the bottom of the flagpole. Then we had a moment of silence. And then as the Reveille was played again, the flag was raised from half-mast to full height.
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| (That's Henry on the back row, right side.) |
A school choir sang the "Spirit of the ANZACs" Anthem. (Lyrics below)
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| Henry was able to lay a flower on the wreath at the flagpole. |
Each child was invited to bring a flower to place at the base of the flagpole to show respect.
The thing that struck me is that the children from kindergarten to grade 6 were 100% quiet and respectful. The entire time! There was absolutely no whispering or disruptions. None. At all. The respect and attention was very touching and impressive.
I noticed the same thing yesterday at the adult service. There were a LOT of people in the park. More than I expected at 5:45am. And they were all quiet. The reverent mood persisted as everyone left smoothly. They were giving out coffee and ANZAC biscuits afterward and there was no surge or press to hurry up and get the free food. And there wasn't even a big sign thanking some business for donating the food. It was just there for the purpose of the people, not advertising promotion.
I love it here.
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| Poppies are an emblem of remembrance on ANZAC Day. |
They are one of us
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