On Monday 28 April, staff and students attended Legacy’s 2025 Anzac Memorial Ceremony. On arrival we were given a program and a small Australian flag connected to a sprig of rosemary, a symbol of commemoration, commonly used for Anzac memorials. After witnessing The Veterans March, we observed a Welcome to Country and welcoming speech from the Master of Ceremonies; Justin Smith as well as speeches from the governor of Victoria (Margaret Gardener) and several school captains. We were informed of the thousands of souls who were lost during the war and their undiscovered bodies.

Students, Grace (Year 8) and Kiani (Year 10) had the opportunity to place the school’s wreath at the foot of the eternal flame where they acknowledged all soldiers at war. We observed performances from the Girls High School and Melbourne High School choir and listened to a speech from Shannon M who talked about the importance of ‘mateship’ in Australia, as well as how loneliness affects our lives negatively. After the Ode was played and followed by a minute of silence and a concluding speech from Justin Smith we made our way back through the park, viewing the greenery surrounding the shrine.

We are also very thankful for the teachers that accompanied us to the shrine, especially Mrs. Quiriconi, who not only helped organize our arrival and departure, but also encouraged us to speak with other schools and represent Penola in a professional way.

All in all, the 93rd Anzac Day memorial ceremony celebrated and showed the remembrance of the Anzacs. Penola students and staff felt very honored and proud to be alongside the Australian Community to reflect and look back on the important day.