STUDENTS from high schools around Tamworth will lead a service next week to honour those who fought and died in the Battle for Australia.
To be held at Tamworth War Memorial Town Hall on Wednesday, the service will commence at 11am and ,unlike other Tamworth RSL Sub-branch functions, it will be conducted entirely by the students.
Sub-branch secretary Jayne McCarthy said the purpose of the service was to accord national honour and commemoration to all of those who took part in the many operations that comprised the Battle for Australia and to ensure that Australian resistance to, and the ultimate defeat of the Japanese offensive against Australia was not forgotten.
“In an effort to achieve those aims, the Tamworth RSL Sub-branch seeks to educate our youth about the Battle for Australia through active participation in the service,” Mrs McCarthy said.
“Even though these students were not even thought of during that time of Australia’s history, we feel it’s an incredibly patriotic duty they are performing, taking charge of this whole event – as well as something they can be very proud of.”
Local schools have nominated students to take specific roles in the service. From Tamworth High School, Emily Owen will take charge as master of ceremonies, with Calrossy Anglican School student Anna McKenzie, the keynote speaker.
The Ode of Remembrance will be recited by Ryan Parker from Peel High School and Calrossy Anglican School will provide an orchestra, a choir and a bugler, Leah Griffiths.
Catafalque party duties will be carried out by the 209 Army Cadet Unit and a number of students will be involved in making a wreath from wattle, which will then be placed at the memorial in the foyer.
All serving and ex-service military personnel and interested members of the public are invited and encouraged to attend this service to pay respect to those who fought for Australia and to support the wonderful youth of Tamworth.