IT may be almost 100 years since the Anzacs landed at Gallipoli, but the spirit and patriotism shown by our soldiers burns a fire in all our hearts.
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That was the sentiment expressed by speaker Emma Pullinen, from All Saints’ College, who gave the student address at yesterday’s Anzac Day ceremony.
Emma spoke to the crowd about the “selfless sacrifice of so many Australians” who, although they lost their lives for our country, will always remain an integral part of our future.
She said her individual perception of Anzac Day and its meaning has been shaped by hearing stories from those who have served for Australia.
“I believe that today we should remember and reflect on the opportunities and freedom that all Australian soldiers have bequeathed to us,” she said.
And although Emma said she was unable to comprehend the true terror, grief and despair of war, she was aware that it was important to educate herself on what people had gone through and what they had done.
“It is this understanding that enables us to develop a deeper appreciation of what Australians have achieved and what they continue to risk for our safety and freedom,” she said.
“It is this knowledge that I believe every future generation should attain.”
Emma told the gathering how her brother joined the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA).
“At first I associated his involvement with ADFA as merely a university degree amongst a lot of marching and fitness training, but on reflection I realised there was much more to it than that.
“He had joined the army and was training to be an officer.
“When I asked him why he had joined he replied without hesitation, saying: ‘There is one quote that I like – they’ll always need men like us, those who are willing to do what others cannot’.
“‘But ultimately I joined to serve my nation and its people in both war and peacetime and to continue the bold, noble traditions of the Australian Defence Force.’
“In my own sibling I was seeing the continuation of the famous Anzac legend.”
Emma said last month she watched her brother march among other cadets at the Chief of Defence Force Parade.
“In front of me I saw some of our future leaders, men and women prepared to put everything aside for the betterment of our country in the same way that gallant Australians have done since 1914,” she said. “When I looked at hundreds of fresh-faced soldiers I realised I was looking at the next generation of heroes.
“In honouring the soldiers that had stood before them the new cadets showed determination and strength that came from the heart.”
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