Honouring Indigenous War Veterans

Reconciliation Week at Kings Park, May 2013

Mount Lawley Senior High School Aboriginal Excellence Program (AEP) students are becoming a regular feature at the Indigenous War Veterans Ceremony held annually at Kings Park.

This year saw the State's Governor, Mr Malcolm McCusker QC, conduct the opening address followed by a great supporter of Mount Lawley SHS, ECU Professor Colleen Hayward AM.

Both delivered emotional speeches about the valuable contributions made by Indigenous soldiers both past and present.

Indigenous War Graves Chairperson, Mr John Schnaars, also spoke about the outstanding work being done in placing headstones and holding memorial services on the unmarked graves of Indigenous Veterans.

He explained how this initiative helps bring families together and assist with the healing process, providing their loved ones with the recognition and dignity they deserve.

Mount Lawley AEP students, Fenix and Jai represented the school by laying a wreath beside the Kings Park War Memorial's 'Eternal Flame' while the Mount Lawley SHS school band and choir gave quality performances throughout proceedings.

Aboriginal Excellence Program students were inspired by the moving ceremony and are eager to research the contributions and experiences of "Aboriginal ANZACS" as a component of their 2013 program.

Philip Paioff, AEP Coordinator

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