RED crosses with special messages about past and present servicepeople were planted by John Paul II College staff and students in an emotional Remembrance Day ceremony this morning (November 11).
In recognition of the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, staff designed and printed the crosses before students wrote messages honouring family members currently serving and ancestors who had served.
The crosses have been planted in the front of the college’s grounds over three days, and this morning, acting principal Stephanie O’Meara joined her students to honour her own father in law, Medal of the Order of Australia recipient Desmond Hilary O’Meara.
“To have his name there is very special,” she says.
Stephanie’s cross was one of 1000 planted by staff and students at the Nicholls high school in an ornate bed of poppies in front of the campus.
Unable to hold a traditional ceremony this year due to covid restrictions, defence school mentor Vicki Walsh was inspired, by her father, Gilbert Harvey Hall who served with her Uncle Tom and Aunty Daphne, to create something creative and engaging for students, who were encouraged to adorn the red crosses with personal messages.
Many carried names and messages from the more than 110 students from defence backgrounds at the college, and Stephanie says Remembrance Day is an opportunity for the community to acknowledge their sacrifice.
“The parents are sacrificing for their country, but so are their families. They don’t see their mums and dads for great lengths of time and they know they’re in danger often,” says Stephanie.
“For them to have that acknowledged by the community is hugely important.”
For Year 9 student and air force cadet, Thomas, today’s ceremony was especially important. He planted a cross in honour of his two great grandfathers who served in the air force during World War II and Vietnam.
Thomas’ father is also currently serving and he hopes to pursue a career as an airforce pilot himself when he graduates.
“It’s really nice to see everyone coming together to pay respect. It’s a good legacy to keep up,” says Thomas.
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