THE Lake Primary School held a commemorative Anzac Day ceremony on Thursday, in front of the school’s new memorial garden.
Representatives of the Mildura RSL were invited as special guests, including vice-president Brad McGlashan, secretary Scott Richards, and treasurer Robert Birnie who gave a speech on what Anzac Day represented for him.
“Anzac Day is not just about history, but ordinary individuals who stepped up under extraordinary circumstances,” he said.
“It is a legacy of character, how we support our veterans and continue to strive for peace in a world still marked by conflict, and the human spirit that emerged from these battles.”
Mr Birnie’s son was one of four Grade 5 and 6 students each gave speeches on what Anzac Day meant to them, with many referencing great-grandparents and other family members who had fought for Australia.
Students also placed nine metal poppies in the lone pine garden, representing past students who had been involved with World War II.
The school’s groundskeeper Trevor Reolofs, who has been involved heavily with the memorial from the beginning, said he hoped more relatives of former students would reach out.
“We want to include a memorial for each and every one of our past students who have been involved with WWII,” he said.
“I have a lot of respect for the Anzacs, and a lot of passion for our service people, and we’d love to commemorate their service and hear their stories.”
