ANZAC Day is a solemn and respected day in the Australian calendar. It represents much of what we aspire to as Australians and respect for those who have served, courage in difficult circumstances, sacrificial service of other people and putting the well-being and safety of others ahead of our own.
It was a powerful opportunity on Monday for both the Primary and High School students to invest some time in focusing on the actions of our military personnel and intentionally remembering those who have lived them, including former Mueller students. The students who presented the service set a reverent and meaningful tone for their peers. Those watching were impeccable in their behaviour, presentation and respect shown for the occasion and our service men and women. As we waited for the service to begin the absolute silence of the students set a solemn tone for the morning as we entered into the time of remembrance.
To draw parallels between the actions of those of us living in peace and the servicemen and women who served during conflict can seem unrealistic. However, the values of our soldiers, albeit in different circumstances, are those we encourage in the daily school life of our students as well. Being part of any community is founded on the members contributing to the lives of others, serving their needs and persevering in difficult circumstances. We see examples of this in our community daily in simple ways, from including new people in our friendship group to helping others with their schoolwork.
Of course, there is even deeper meaning in these actions when we see the enduring sacrifice of Jesus and the call he has placed on our lives to serve the community. In Philippians 2 we are called to “… in humility, consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” These are difficult words to live by, however, they are the cornerstone of a Christian community in which we seek to serve Jesus and others. One which we can so vividly see in the example of our military personnel.
Lest We Forget.