Remembering their service

By Nicole Williams
THE Anzac spirit continued in Dandenong well after Anzac Day.
St John’s Regional College held an Anzac Day assembly on Thursday 28 April, complete with catafalque party and serving officers.
Principal Andrew Walsh said the school always holds an assembly with a focus on Anzac Day but this year was a bit different.
“Today’s assembly was the first time we have had serving officers of the army coming in and being a part of it,” Mr Walsh said.
“It was a very, very moving and very respectful service.”
Defence personnel formed the cataplaque party and some of the students attended as airforce or army cadets.
The student band played the national anthem, the Last Post and reveille, the Ode to the Fallen was read by staff member and ex-serviceman Lance McDermott, teacher Dr Tricia O’Brien read part of a letter from her great-great-uncle from Fromelles and City of Greater Dandenong mayor Roz Blades addressed the students.
“Having students take part first hand does so much for their education,” Mr Walsh said.
“I agreed with Roz Blades when she said that looking out across the sea of faces, you’re looking at the face of Australia.”