Sacrifice of great-grandfathers acknowledged in youth address

Breeza’s Anzac Day service had the community gather in respect of the men and women who served Australia.

One aspect of the service was a youth address provided by sisters Patricia and Sandra Parry.

The Gunnedah High School students were congratulated for their address and kindly shared it with the Gunnedah Times.

Below are two excerpts from the speech.

Sandra

On ANZAC Day, we do not celebrate war. War is not glorious. It is cruel and heartbreaking. But we do honour the people. Ordinary, innocent people who were called upon in extraordinary times and gave so much for something greater than themselves.

We remember those who never came home. Those whose final resting places lie in foreign soil , under distant skies. We remember the veterans who returned, changed forever. And we remember those who continue to serve every day. Here and overseas, in the defence of peace, freedom, and human dignity.

The ANZAC spirit lies not just in soldiers, but in all of us. When we show resilience in hard times, when we reach out to help our peers, when we strive for unity in the face of division.

One of the most powerful moments each year is seeing young people attend ANZAC Day services. Children asking questions. Teenagers wearing their great-grandparents’ medals. Students learning about battles fought a century ago and representing themselves, not with excitement, but with respect.

In these moments, we see the enduring power of memory. We see that ANZAC Day is not fading into the past but carried forward into the future.

To the present and future generations, this is your legacy too. You may not wear a uniform, but you have the power to embody the ANZAC values. Show, through, how you lead, how you serve, and how you face life’s challenges.

Patricia

I invite you to unravel and explore various different stories people here have to tell, including me.

William Henry Parry and Lindsay Harold Charlesworth. These are the names of both of my great-grandfathers who served in the war. Aged just 22, William Henry Parry enlisted in the army on the 16th of February, 1915. William was recognised as Private No. 635 – 19th Battalion. His full-term rank was 4 years and 72 days. During William’s war service, he received a gunshot wound to the left eye and suffered gas inhalation. Lindsay Harold Charlesworth enlisted at the age of 18 years old on the 8th of March, 1917. He was Private No. 3268 and the 33rd Battalion. 1 year and 352 days was his full-term rank of his war

service. Lindsay had also served 2 years and 92 days of home service. He too also tragically suffered gas inhalation. These two incredibly brave men risked their own lives to serve their country, placing permanent physical and emotional scars on themselves.

William Henry Parry and Lindsay Harold Charlesworth deserve the right to be remembered for their

heroic experience and never be forgotten through their continuing bloodline. My great-grandfathers are [among] many stories.

Various unimaginable events occurred in the lives of multiple people, sticking to them, making them feel like it’s almost impossible to lose.

Being here today is an incredible thing to be proud of, and yet again, I thank everyone for their time and commitment to collaborate and honour a day that has been recognised for many continuous years.