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World War II Honour Roll Dedication 12 March 2005 |
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| More than 150 ex-students, their families and guests attended the school on Saturday 12 March 2005 for the official
dedication of the World War II Honour Roll. Special guests at the ceremony included Mr John Haines AM, State Vice President NSW RSL Sub Branch, Mr Colin Smith President City of Parramatta RSL Sub Branch, Mr Omal Jamal Parramatta City Councillor, Mr Dennis Zalunardo and Mr Keith Manuel from Legacy, Captain Daryl Bates AM RAN, WO1 Kevin Hobbs 1st/15th Royal NSW Lancers, Group Captain Rob Shortridge RAAF. Our bugler was Lance Corporal Adam Gore also of the 1st/15th Royal New South Wales Lancers. We thank them for their attendance.
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Mr Peter McFarland, school principal, welcomed the guests and re-read his address from the school assembly that week. He had spoken to the students about how Australia was a safe haven for so many - a chance to begin a new life. He reminded the students that these freedoms had been hard fought and won by so many young men and women. |
| Matt Carr, school captain, had tried to imagine what it must have been like to be a tail-gunner in a Lancaster bomber; or an infantryman in a sandy hole in the deserts of North Africa or the jungles of New Guinea; or an able seaman aboard a ship protecting convoys in the Pacific or North Atlantic. Matt was struck by the enormous responsibility of these men and women - many at the time, not much older than himself. Matt also paid tribute to those who served in the many and varied auxilliary services and numerous industries which supported the war effort. The honour roll’s motto is Libertas Inestimabilis Res Est - Liberty is a freedom beyond all price. On behalf of the current students, Matt acknowledged the debt of gratitude we owe to those who served in this conflict.
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Speaking on behalf of the ex-students was Mr Jack Ings AM. Jack, like many others of his vintage, left school after the Intermediate Certificate. Jobs were plentiful and school was a financial burden many families were not able to justify.
Jack remembered the many friendships made during the war - and with sadness those who did not return.
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| Christina Baysari, school captain, then read a letter sent to us by ex-student Mrs Jewel Laing (nee Gomes). Mrs Gomes’ brother, Luis, was a RAAF pilot serving with the RAF when his plane was lost over the Bay of Biscay during a sortie. Her poignant words conveyed some of the grief and sorrow his loss had on her family, and especially her mother. Jewel tells us that these memories affect her as much today as they did then. | 
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Official wreaths were laid and guests were invited to lay personal tributes. The Ode was recited and then Lance Corporal Gore played the Last Post while those assembled observed a moment’s silence. This was followed by Rouse and the National Anthem.
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individuals and organisations, without whose support this project would not have been possible.
Department of Veterans' Affairs
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