Courage. It is a value that can be applied in a multitude of situations. As ANZAC Day approaches, it provides us with the opportunity to consider this attribute alongside the impact of war and conflict and our values as a society. It also allows us to explore how ANZAC Day has come to define our national identity.
ANZAC Day is a day of significance in both New Zealand and Australia, and a day to remember and honor all those who served our countries in times of war. Rather than quietly slip into insignificance, record numbers are attending commemorations throughout the country on 25 April. And it’s not just veterans or people who may have had family serving in the wars; young adults, children and babies now often accompany their parents or participate in services.
Ficino School in Mt Eden, like many schools in New Zealand, acknowledges ANZAC Day as an important part of the school curriculum. This year their senior students explored what the ‘Spirit of ANZAC’ meant to them, with two students going on to represent the School at the Mt Eden Intermediate Schools Speech Competition.
Head Girl Pearl Tucker focused on the courage that our soldiers would have demonstrated during the campaign in her winning speech ‘The Courage of the ANZACS’.
As winner of this competition, Pearl will deliver her speech at 11am at the Mt Eden ANZAC Day Service at the Mt Eden War Memorial Hall (487 Dominion Road). Accompanied by fellow student, Nicholas Clarke, she will also lay a wreath.
Ficino School wishes to congratulate Pearl on her outstanding performance, and hopes to see members of our community at this service to commemorate all that this day stands for.