Breaking News

Students learn a moving lesson

Tuesday 22 April, 2008 9:01am

THE true meaning of the Anzac legend hit home for Penrith school students earlier this month when the death toll was graphically illustrated by Lt-Cdr David Legge from the Royal Australian Navy.

"The amount of people here today would be the amount killed the first day at Gallipoli," Lt-Cdr told the 1100-strong crowd gathered at Penrith Paceway for the combined schools Anzac service.

"In all 36,000 Australian and New Zealand soldiers were killed or wounded at Gallipoli."

Lt-Cdr Legge said it was important for all people to remember the Anzacs.

"We should remember them as the young people they were in 1915, not as old soldiers."

With all our World War I veterans now passed on, Lt-Cdr Legge said it was important for them to be replaced in the parades. "We are the ones who should march now for them."

Penrith High School principal Wendy De Paoli said the Anzac legend "resonates".

"The qualities they shared are enduring. For many Australians, the Anzac Day services represent one of our most significant national events."

The ceremony was supported by the City of Penrith RSL Sub Branch and the 21 Army Cadet Unit Penrith formed the Guard, while the music and compering was conducted by students from schools throughout the Penrith district.

STORIES IN THIS SECTION: