Anzac Day

Recently, a relative of my wife passed away at the age of 99. He had a great long life, filled with achievement. However, the last 70 years of his life were somewhat sullied by his experiences as a serviceman during WW2.

Captured in Malaysia and miraculously surviving the rest of his platoon’s execution (including his best friend since childhood) after capture, he spent the next four years in work camps on the Burma Railway and in Changi. After the war he was eventually deported back to Australia. He was deeply affected by his experiences and spent the rest of his life wondering how and why he survived the suffering and deprivation when so many of his comrades didn’t.

There has been thousands of similar stories from servicemen and women who, at difficult times in our history, accepted the call to defend the lifestyle we now enjoy.

On Monday morning at the Caloundra March, a contingent of students from the College will represent our community. Students will also remember the sacrifice of our service personnel at our College’s Anzac Day Service on Tuesday. As the number of veterans dwindle, it is important for young people to not only remember their sacrifices but to accept responsibility for continuing this legacy of remembrance into the future.