Trinitarians perpetuate the ANZAC spirit
Trinitarians continue to carry the torch of ANZAC remembrance, both within the School and in the wider community, in Sydney and beyond.
Trinity Cadets supported ANZAC Day dawn services at Balmain, Drummoyne and Burwood, as well as a West Harbour Pirates rugby game.
The School Marching Band performed in Huskisson in damp conditions but their contribution was greatly appreciated by the Jervis Bay community, which is home to the School’s Woollamaia Field Studies Centre.
The Cadets and Marching Band continued to serve at belated ANZAC services on the quad at Summer Hill, and in both the Preparatory School and the Junior School.
Head Master Tim Bowden reminded the quad assembly that ANZAC Day was not a celebration but a commemoration; it was a day of solemnity and dignity.
In keeping with tradition, students placed one white cross in the turf of the quad for each of the 44 Trinitarians to die in war in the service of their country.
“Many of our own have served, and some of our own have fallen,” said Mr Bowden.
“Today we remember them. We remember, we respect, we honour.
“We remember those who at one point wore our green and white, who bore our triangular badge, who sat in class and ran on fields, who served and who sacrificed.”
Of the traditional one minute silence, he said: “We put our lives on hold, thinking of those who gave up their lives.”
The playing of the Reveille, he said, reminded all that “the darkness of night is followed by the light of dawn, reminding us of the Christian hope of resurrection beyond the grave”.
The names of all of the fallen Trinitarians were read out by Deputy Head Master Craig Sandwell as Mr Bowden and School Captain Steven Y (12Mu) inspected the Trinity memorial book normally housed in the War Memorial Chapel.
Chaplain Greg Webster said freedoms enjoyed in Australia such as freedom of speech and worship, and freedom from political oppression and persecution, had been won “at great cost”.
He noted the sacrifice of those killed fighting for liberty and justice – the fathers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters, friends, schoolmates and future leaders, Trinity old boys among them.
“Let their sacrifice not be in vain,” he said.
