Saint Philomena’s students gathered on Wednesday for an Anzac Day commemoration service.
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Teacher Cath Keen addressed the students by reminding them why nation-wide Australian’s gather on April 25.
“We remember the soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corp who landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey on the morning of April 25, 1915,” she said.
“We remember those who have followed in their footsteps in the years since then. We remember the bravery and the sacrafice of all who served Australia in war, overseas or on the home front.”
Elmer Knobel OAM, was this year’s special guest. Mr Knobel was also a volunteer army corp during WWII.
Mrs Keen said he was part of the ‘manpower group’ sent to South Australia to work on properties as the owners workman had all been sent to war.
“From SA he was sent to Darwin where he saw the aftermath of the Darwin bombing. His job was to collect all the army equipment and send it back to SA on the train,” she said.
Mr Knobel settled in Moree after the war and has since dedicated his time assisting the community in any way possible including the State Emergency Service, Moree Show Society and the Agricultural Society.
Aftwards, Mr Knobel spoke beautifully about the significance of Anzac Day.
A poem, Not a Hero by Clyde Hamilton, was read out followed by the laying of a wreath.
Students said the ode and The Last Post was played.
A minute’s silence fell on the crowd before standing for the National Anthem.
The students then left the hall, headed home for the day keeping in mind it’s significance.
Not A Hero
The ANZAC Day march was over - the old Digger had done his best.
His body ached from marching - it was time to sit and rest.
He made his way to a park bench and sat with lowered head.
A young boy passing saw him - approached and politely said,
"Please sir do you mind if I ask you what the medals you wear are for?
Did you get them for being a hero, when fighting in a war?"
Startled, the old Digger moved over and beckoned the boy to sit.
Eagerly the lad accepted - he had not expected this!
"First of all I was not a hero," said the old Digger in solemn tone,
"But I served with many heroes, the ones that never came home.
So when you talk of heroes, it's important to understand,
The greatest of all heroes gave their lives defending this land.
"The medals are worn in their honour, as a symbol of respect.
All diggers wear them on ANZAC Day - it shows they don't forget."
The old digger then climbed to his feet and asked the boy to stand.
Carefully he removed the medals and placed them in his hand.
He told him he could keep them - to treasure throughout his life,
A legacy of a kind - left behind - paid for in sacrifice.
Overwhelmed the young boy was speechless - he couldn’t find words to say.
It was there the old Digger left him - going quietly on his way.
In the distance the young boy glimpsed him - saw him turn and wave goodbye.
Saddened he sat alone on the bench - tears welled in his eyes.
He never again saw him ever - but still remembers with pride,
When the old Digger told him of Heroes and a young boy sat and cried.
Clyde Hamilton