Shrine of Remembrance
This week, 80 years after the Battle for Australia commenced in 1942, large numbers of school students, guests and veterans will gather at the Shrine of Remembrance.
The commemoration on Wednesday, 7 September at 11.00am will highlight the importance of sharing Australia's 'War in The Pacific' story with our nation's youth through an informative and varied, but reverent program.
Pictorial and interview opportunities:
Four students play the roles of WWII Australian Service Members to speak about their courageous battle experiences on the Kokoda Track – Battle of Milne Bay – Bombing of Darwin – Battle of the Coral Sea, including other fierce land, sea and air actions.
Student Speakers: Darwin Attack: YoYo Allen, Year 6 Christ Church Grammar; Milne Bay: Steph Sharp, Year 10 Kyneton Secondary; Kokoda Track: Olivia Bradshaw, Year 10 Lilydale High; Coral Sea: Zakea John, Year 9 Aitken College.
Guest Speaker: SQNLDR Michael Veitch, History & Heritage Branch – Air Force. Music by Royal Australian Navy Band and RAAF 100SQN fly past.
Patron in Chief: Mr. Hugh Morgan AC.
Patrons: Sir Rod Eddington AO, Mr. Steve Moneghetti AM.
Principal Guest: Brigadier David Smith AM, DSM.
Battle for Australia Foundation honours courage, sacrifice and service of Australians and our allies, who endured and repulsed Japanese attacks on Australian soil and in the islands to Australia's north. Australia's servicemen and women and the merchant marine, as well as the commitment of the Australian people in defence of our homeland, must always be an integral part of our national heritage and never forgotten by Australians.
