Remembrance Day 2024 Commemorations

To commemorate Remembrance Day on Monday 11 November, the Friends of ANZAC Cottage hosted a moving sunset service on behalf of the National Trust. Held at ANZAC Cottage in Mount Hawthorn, the event drew a vibrant crowd of over 50 attendees, including Patrick Gorman MP member for Perth; the Honourable Bob Kucera APM, Chairman of the National Trust; City of Vincent officials; and students from Mt Hawthorn Primary School, Aquinas College, Wesley College, and Como Senior High School.

Before the formalities commenced, guests were treated to a compelling exhibition from the WA Digital Military Museum and invited to tour the cottage, while students participated in poppy-making classes. A striking artwork of ANZAC Cottage that a group of Year 5 students from Mount Hawthorn Primary School created under the guidance of Perth-based multi-media artist Olive Cheng was unveiled to the delight of attendees. The beautiful piece will soon be hung in the cottage to be enjoyed by future visitors.

As part of the “wartime letters” theme, one of the event’s highlights was a presentation by Como Senior High School student Cayley Newman. Accompanied by a poignant photo montage of her great-uncle Jack, she read excerpts from his letters sent from the Western Front during WWI, offering a stirring, emotional reflection on the horrors of war and its impact on soldiers and their families.

The ceremony continued with a flag lowering by the HMAS Marmion Sea Cadet Unit, followed by the Last Post played by Lachlan Edinger from Wesley College. The Honourable Bob Kucera APM read the Ode of Remembrance before the assembly concluded with the National Anthem.

Remembrance Day at ANZAC Cottage was hosted by The Friends of ANZAC Cottage, chaired by Anne Chapple AM, and proudly sponsored by the City of Vincent, the Heritage Council, and the Bendigo Community Bank.