TWO Mount Gambier High School students will take the lead representing South Australia at the Canberra Remembrance Day National Ceremony this Sunday.
The school has 34 students travelling to Canberra for the event, with Julia Mitchell and Luke King chosen to act as school representatives leading 12 other students down the steps of the Australian War Memorial and paying their respects by placing a poppy on the stone of remembrance.
“The school took a group of students to Canberra in 2014 to observe the 100 year anniversary of start of World War I.
“Going back in 2018 is a lovely way to commemorate those that have served and died in World War I and recognise the centenary of the Armistice that ended World War I,” Mount Gambier High School HASS coordinator Kathryn Sutton said.
The students will be in Canberra for six days participating in the Remembrance Day service as their first major activity during the visit to the nation’s capital.
“I’m extremely honoured to be representing Mount Gambier High School so that I can pay my respects to all those who served in the war,” Year 11 student and school captain Julia said.
“Representing South Australia at such a prestigious event is particularly important as this year marks the 100 year anniversary of the First World War ceasing.
“It is such a significant commemoration and holds particular importance for myself, having family members including great grandparents who fought in the navy, air force and army.”
Year 8 student Luke said he would share the unique experience with his brother.
“(My brother) Josh got to lay a wreath in 2014 to commemorate the start of World War I and I get to place a poppy on the Remembrance Day stone to commemorate the Armistice which ended World War I,” he said.
“I had two great uncles that fought for us, one came back but the other, Thomas, died a few months before it ended.
“It means a lot to my family and if they did not fight we would be living in a completely different world to what we are now.
“Knowing their history has allowed me to understand the war to a much higher level.
“We are proud to show respect to all soldiers who lost their lives fighting for freedom in our country and participate in such a significant event at the Australian War Memorial.”
