High school children organised and planned the Anzac Day service at the North Lismore Memorial at 7.45am this morning. Popular Vietnam Veteran Ken Jolley helped them coordinate the heartfelt service at Lismore’s first war memorial.  

The children spoke, led prayers and played the Last Post and Reveille as the crowd looked on. Many ex-servicemen and women were in attendance and wreaths were laid in a touching ceremony.

Speaking to Ken about the efforts of the young people of the town, he said, “It’s magic, just magic, you know.” He turns to pay respect to the memorial itself, pleased that it has a good place in the ANZAC day celebrations. “A lot of work has gone into (preserving) this memorial, it's been shifted three or four times and it’s back here in its original home now.”

Speaking about the armed forces, Ken said, “It’s a different time and a different army now. It’s been 57 years since I returned from Vietnam. It’s a long time.”

Two ex-servicemen who served in peacetime told their own story.

Graeme Horsfall was wearing his father's, as well as his own medals from service in 1976 to 1982.

Peter Osborne from the Far North Coast Air Force Association was in attendance with his family. “I was in the Air Force, but totally in Australia.” In addition to his own medals, he was wearing his grandfather's medals from the Boer War and WWI.

After the service, praise came in thick and fast, “You all did good, the whole lot of you.” “Well done to all of you.” 

The children represented themselves and their roles, speaking well. They included Jethro, Chillara, Katie and Matthew from Lismore High School. Sarah, Gwen, Chloe, Riley and Page from Kadina High School (who played the trumpet), as well as Natalia from Richmond River High School. Natalia MC’d the event very professionally. They all displayed deep respect and commitment to the commemoration of ANZAC Day 2024.