We remember and we act with respect

This is an edited excerpt of the speech by Interim Principal Mr Andy Gordon at the Radford College Anzac Service, Monday 29 April

Today we remember, we reflect, and we act. Radford College is a major sponsor of the OzYouthChoir and the Making Peas/ce Project. It relates to the wreath the Year 2 students made. Poppies and Peas.

Earlier this year many Radford College students sang at Government House for Their Excellencies the Governor-General and Lady Hurley. His Excellency General the Honourable David John Hurley AC DSC (Retd) is a former senior General in the Australian Army.

The Making Peas/ce Project has had involvement with the Dirrum Dirrum Festival also. As Australians, we remember all who have given their life for country and on country.

I want to read the words of the song, The Anthem of the Desert Pea. We will endeavour to sing the song at our next ANZAC Service.

Across the heart of our wide land, flowers black and red; write a song of memory, and sing LEST WE FORGET.

They grow beside the poppies tall and bow their scarlet head. For those who died on our country we’ll sing LEST WE FORGET,

Australia has a history, First Peoples died and bled. So grew the precious desert pea, to sing LEST WE FORGET.

Australians all let us rejoice for we are one and free. And those who died upon our soil were loved like you and me.

For those who died for country and on country.

Lest that we forget.

It is therefore appropriate as we stand amongst the Aboriginal, Australian and New Zealand flags that we reflect and act.

The British ensign on the blue field with references to the southern cross, along with the black, red and yellow, symbolizing the connection to country with the sun, the giver of life, call us to action, at Radford College as we remember.

That we embody, Truth, Compassion and Wisdom through Respect. We live in peace, with respect, by seeing again, listening deeply and acting with kindness.

College, we remember and we act with respect.