Students from Rosalie Primary School’s Year 6 class in Perth held their own, slightly early, Dawn Service on Wednesday, 6 April 2022 at the State War Memorial in Kings Park to reflect on the courage, discipline and self-sacrifice of those who choose a life of service to their country.
The Dawn Service was supported by 16th Battalion, Royal West Australian Regiment, soldiers who escorted the excited students from their school in Subiaco to Kings Park in Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles.
Commanding Officer of 16th Battalion, Royal Western Australia Regiment (16 RWAR), Lieutenant Colonel Leigh Partridge, spoke to the students about the meaning of Anzac Day, and the importance of remembering the soldiers who died serving their country.
“As we acknowledge those who contributed so much in shaping the identity of this proud nation, we reflect on their great courage, discipline and self-sacrifice of our service personnel who lost their life for our country,” Lieutenant Colonel Leigh Partridge said.
The service was themed to also commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Kokoda Campaign, which was fought between July and November 1942. At the conclusion of the service, Rosalie Primary School students spent time on the Kings Park Kokoda Stairs learning about the Kokoda Campaign, the importance of this campaign to Australia’s war effort and the sacrifice of WWII diggers along the Kokoda Track.
“Special to 16 RWAR is that the 2/16th Battalion distinguished itself along the Kokoda Track. 16 RWAR’s forbearers, many of whom were West Australians, met the Japanese assault first, standing alongside the first Australian units who were required to stop the Japanese advance,” Lieutenant Colonel Leigh Partridge said.
“In the 80th year since the Kokoda Campaign, it’s important we spend time with the youth of Australia answering their questions and highlighting the important role our WWII veterans played in Australia’s history.”
Lieutenant Colonel Leigh Partridge said it was great to see the students learning and getting involved in an Anzac Day commemorative activity.
