With the sun shining down the 2018 Forest Crescent Anzac Service, 13th April, got underway with the Head Boy, Nishok, and Head Girl , Lucy, leading the service (held at this time due to Anzac Day falling on the school holidays). Our special guests from the Returned and Service League of Australia (RSL) were also in attendance. Then Zac introduced the choir performance with a reading of the famous speech by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who was known for leading the Turkish war of independence which led to the formation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923.
In 1934, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk wrote the famous words that reached out to the mothers of his former enemies.
“Those heroes that shed their blood
And lost their lives.
You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country.
Therefore, rest in peace.
There is no difference between the Johnnies
And the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side
Here in this country of ours,
You, the mothers,
Who sent their sons from far away countries
Wipe away your tears,
Your sons are now lying in our bosom
And are in peace
After having lost their lives on this land they have
Become our sons as well.”
The sixty-two student strong choir sang, “Here You Lie” with great solo performances by Jayden and Taylor as soloists. Then Deppika and Taylor read an Anzac Poem, “Sir” penned by Damian (Dib) Morgan.
Sir – would it help if I shed a tear
I swear it’s the first time since this time last year
My spine is a tingle – my throat is all dry
As I stand to attention for all those who died
I watch the flag dancing half way down the pole
That damn bugle player sends chills to my soul
I feel the pride and the sorrow – there’s nothing the same
As standing to attention on Anzac Day
So Sir – on behalf of the young and the free
Will you take a message when you finally do leave
To your mates that are lying from Tobruk to the Somme
The legend of your bravery will always live on
I’ve welcomed Olympians back to our shore
I’ve cheered baggy green caps and watched Wallabies score
But when I watch you marching (Sir) in that parade
I know these are the memories that never will fade
So Sir – on behalf of the young and the free
Will you take a message when you finally do leave
It’s the least we can do (Sir) to repay the debt
We’ll always remember you – Lest We Forget
Damian (Dib) Morgan 1998
Dib Morgan is a young Queenslander from Condamine on the western Darling Downs. “Sir” is a poem of thanks to the men and women who have fought to defend the freedom that this country enjoys.
The whole school had a moment of reflection when the principal, Mr Holmes, Nishok, Lucy and two pre-primary students carried wreaths to lay at the bottom of the flagpole. Then the whole school stood for the Last Post, a minute’s silence, then The Rouse as Cooper dutifully raised the flag from half mast to the masthead. The service was finished off with the whole school singing our national anthem.
Anzac Day Gallery 2018
