Local schoolgirl, Grace Ogomeni, inspired the crowd at her local ANZAC Day ceremony with a heartfelt speech highlighting the importance of the day for both sides of her family.
Grace is a School Captain at Home Hill State High School. A small school of just 200 students, despite its small numbers, it has a proud 60-year history of punching above its weight in terms of its achievements and the outcomes of its students.
With a Papuan father and an Australian mother, Grace spoke passionately about her heritage and the roles both sides of her family played in the conflict in Papua New Guinea during World War II.
Her father was born in the village of Kokoda – famed for the historic Kokoda Track – where the stories of the war are passed down through generations. On her mother’s side, her great-grandfather, a Charters Towers man, served in Papua New Guinea with the 39th Australian Infantry Battalion.
“The Australians and Papuans managed to stem the tide of the Japanese advance and, fighting side by side, sealed a bond of friendship that has endured between our two nations ever since,” Grace said.
“When I think about the ANZAC spirit, I think of this very bond - two worlds brought together, forming mateship and unity that stays strong in tough times.”
“We each have stories within our families - stories that define who we are and how our pasts are connected. Whilst we may not face the same challenges in today’s society compared to those who fought for us, we still have the opportunity to show courage, compassion and unity in our lives.”
“We must uphold these values and keep the ANZAC spirit alive,” she added.
Grace’s message of coming together, forming bonds and showing courage and compassion, is one that could serve us well in these tumultuous times, and it certainly resonated with those present on the day.
Home Hill State High School Captain Grace Ogomeni delivered a powerful ANZAC Day speech. Photo supplied
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