For the annual Anzac Service and Parade, CUO Abbey, Senior Cadet Under Officer, reflected on why we commemorate Anzac Day. She spoke of a ceremony of tradition, where we remember sacrifice which continues to shape our two nations, as well as the young men that fought for one another and something greater than themselves.
Her reflection introduced the singing of ‘In Flanders Fields’, during the Service, which was held at Knox Grammar School on Sunday 18 May. In Ravenswood for Girls student, SUO Abbey’s words:
“In 2023, I had the opportunity to walk the battlefields of the Western Front in Belgium. At Ypres, standing at Hill 62 looking out across Flanders Fields, and later at the Tyne Cot Cemetery, the reality of Anzac Day became something tangible.
As I walked between the rows of headstones, the ages struck me first; 19, 23, 25. Suddenly, it wasn’t history anymore. For all my life I used to think of ANZAC soldiers as being older men, the kind who had already built lives, careers, and families. However, in reality these soldiers; they were boys, no older than my own brothers back home. Sons, brothers, friends who were full of promise, laughter and years of life ahead. They should have been kicking a football, arguing over who gets to bat first in the backyard cricket match and racing home for dinner, instead they lie in silence, Australians marked by the Rising Sun, New Zealanders by the Silver Fern. The meaning of Anzac Day suddenly became deeply personal. It was no longer just a ceremony or a tradition, it was standing face to face with the memory of those who never came home, whose sacrifice continues to shape our two nation’s identities.
Still to this day, I remember in the stillness of the Western Front, a single wild poppy growing beside a memorial stopped me. It wasn’t part of a wreath. It hadn’t been placed there by hand. It had just grown, all on its own, out of the earth where thousands had fallen. That poppy didn’t speak. It didn’t move. It just existed and somehow, that was enough. In just one small, red flower, there was an act of quiet defiance, a way of saying, “We are still remembered”, quietly honouring the thousands who gave everything. When I think of Anzac Day now, I think of that poppy. The high ground of Hill 60 and 62. I think of the ground beneath my feet in Belgium, once torn apart by war, now silent and calm. And I think of all the young Australians and New Zealanders who stepped into something they couldn’t fully understand but did so anyway. Not for glory. Not for medals. But for each other, for something greater than themselves.
They were just like us. And yet, they stood up, they stepped forward, and they gave everything. This morning, as we gather here, we too step into that legacy. We remember. We reflect. And we honour. Because remembrance doesn’t always come with trumpets or speeches. Sometimes it’s in the stillness. The hush before the anthem. The silence between verses. And so this morning, as we continue in reflection, in freedom, in safety, with opportunities that others only dreamed of, we owe a debt to those who came before us. Not a debt that can be paid back, but one we can honour, by living lives that reflect their spirit.
In a moment, the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Gallery Choir will be performing In Flanders Fields, a piece that captures the spirit of remembrance across generations. The words are drawn from the famous poem by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, written on the frontlines in 1915. As you listen, I invite you to pause. To remember and reflect so that we may honour their memory not just in words, but in how we live and act with courage, compassion, and a commitment to serve others.”
Commanding Officer KRCU, David McKeith, added: “The Service and Parade allows us to step into that legacy, we remember, we reflect, we honour by trying to live lives that reflect their spirit.
The parade at Knox is not about precision drill, or ‘being military’, it is about putting in the effort, doing the training, working together to honour those young people who sacrificed so much. To try to give some context to the youth of today the sacrifice given by so many.
The Service in the Great Hall was very emotional. A wonderful address from the Reviewing Officer Air Commodore Andrew Johnson and Reflection from CUO Abbey, Senior Cadet Under Officer, encapsulated the meaning of Anzac Day, each identifying powerful examples of sacrifice and meaning. The precision of the Honour Guard, Flag Party and Catafalque Party displayed the importance that this day continues to hold for our young people.
The weather held off for us to conduct the Parade which proved to be a great success; not because it showcased brilliant military precision, but because it allowed our young people a chance to express their gratitude to those many people who sacrificed so much in the defence of our country. Every student had an opportunity to give their salute to the Reviewing Officer during the March Past and in a practical way show respect for what is Anzac Day.”
The success of the day was a true reflection of community spirit and teamwork. While the Cadet Unit played a central role, the event would not have been possible without the outstanding contributions of many others including the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Gallery Choir, Pipes and Drums, AV and Events Team, as well as our hardworking Grounds and Catering Staff. Their dedication and collaboration made the day truly memorable for everyone involved.
18 June 2025
Competitors from 262 schools and organisations across the world gathered at Indiana University Bloomington in the USA, for the World Finals at the Future Problem Solving International Conference.
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Last week, the Wahroonga Prep Stage 3 students embarked on a three-day Science Excursion to Canberra. The trip included nine diverse locations that challenged the students and promoted deep thinking.
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“Write what you know, and know what you write.”
