12 November 2021
Remembrance Day 2021
Remembrance Day 2021
Remembrance Day 2021 was a memorable occasion in that we had to move the service to the Gym due to the inclement weather. However this did not dampen spirits. The service commenced with the Murray Bridge High School Combined Concert Band and Drumline playing ‘The Unknown Soldier” by Adrian Hallam. After the acknowledgement to country we welcomed back retired teacher Barb Quast who shaped her address around the theme of “I wish it need not have happened in my time”. Barb drew inspiration from such stories as the life and death of Nurse Doris Alice Ridgeway who grew up at Cookes Plains and Private Albert John Mugford (Jack) a Murray Bridge lad who was killed in action on the 23rd July 1916.
Barb closed her remarks with “Remembrance Day is about all of the ordinary Australians who made the decision to serve in times of danger and war. People who decided what to do with the time that was given to them. However, through their decisions and their sacrifice we who are present today have also been given a gift. Our gift, from those like Staff Nurse Ridgeway and Privates Charnstrom and Mugford and every other Australian who has served in our armed forces over more than 100 years, is the safety, peace and freedom to choose what we will do with the times that they have given to us. To be the best people we can be and serve our family, our communities and our land and country and honour their sacrifice”.
Wreaths were laid by Claire and Bella representing the staff and students of Murray Bridge High School, by Zoe and Aaron representing the ILC and Mr Coulter and Corey representing the Inclusive Education Centre.
After the reading of ‘The Ode’ by Barb, teacher Sean Hickey dressed in uniform, played the Last Post which was followed by the one minute of silence. The playing of the National Anthem brought the service to a close.
We wish to acknowledge and thank Barb Quast for her address and also the students who played an important role on Remembrance Day 2021.
