To mark the 50th anniversary year of the end of Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War, schools across the country have honoured the service of Vietnam veterans' in the 2023 Anzac Day Schools' Awards.
This year's theme, Commemorating Australia's Vietnam War Service, gave students the unique opportunity to connect with Vietnam veterans in their community to learn more about Australia's longest 20th century conflict.
John Edmondson High School in Horningsea Park, New South Wales, is the national winner, impressing judges with their website dedicated to this year's theme, highlighting Vietnam War battles, the role of Australian women, the story of a conscripted serviceman, plus poetry and artwork.
A total of 73 entries were received from across Australia, with 14 declared winners, sharing in $39,000 in prize money funded by the Department of Veterans' Affairs' Commemorations Program. Students showcased their knowledge through websites, videos, presentations, artwork, songs, projects, podcasts, and poetry.
I'd like to congratulate all participating schools on their resourcefulness and innovative ways of honouring our veterans and their wartime involvement.
Entries for the 2024 Anzac Day Schools' Awards are now open, the theme is Discover the stories of veterans in your local community, encouraging students to connect with veterans to gain a firsthand understanding of Australia's wartime past. Entries close 31 May 2024. I look forward to seeing the ideas schools come up with to discover the stories of their local veterans.
