On Friday 1 November, five SHC Geelong students from Years 8 to 11 had the privilege to attend the recording of Radio National's 'Big Ideas’ program at the Shrine of Remembrance. Hosted by the ABC’s Natasha Mitchell, the discussion explored what commemoration might look like in the next 90 years, (the Shrine of Remembrance turns 90 this year!) The discussion also asked how younger generations find meaning in traditional services such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day and what these days mean to them.

The panel featured William, a Shrine Young Ambassador, Year 11 student Zachary, a Spirit of the Anzac Prize winner and ADF cadet drone operator and Michelle from Melbourne University, who spoke from her Korean heritage about war commemoration. 

Two of our students feature in the program - Sofia Castello (34:33) and Georgia Naylor (52:20). You can hear Sofia and Georgia by clicking here. Sofia speaks about her desire to learn more about her Australian culture with regards to going to war, having already learnt much of her Italian ancestors and their participation in war. Georgia eloquently speaks of the need to learn from the mistakes of the past, so that war is always seen as a last resort.

When opportunities arose, we engaged in conversations, exploring what commemoration means to us and how we can make these commemoration more meaningful to our generation. We all came away with a deeper understanding of remembrance and an even greater appreciation for those who have served.