Growing memory

STUDENTS at Fountain Gate Secondary College brought the Anzac experience at Gallipoli to life last week when they planted a Lone Pine seedling at the school.
Since this battle at Gallipoli, lone pines have been planted as a memorial or as a mark of respect to those Australian and New Zealand soldiers who fought at Gallipoli during World War I.
Of the nine Victorian crosses awarded to Australian soldiers, seven were awarded to Australians who fought in the battle.
The original Lone Pine was all that survived after a group of trees were cut down by Turkish soldiers who had used the timber and branches to cover their trenches during the battle on Lone Pine Ridge in August 1915.
The seedling was traced back to the pine trees used by the soldiers.
The ceremony was attended by students, staff, a number of veterans who fought in the Korean conflict as well as Holt MP Anthony Byrne and Ambassador for the Republic of Korea, His Excellency Dr Kim Woo Sang.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and the Republic of Korea.
Year 12 School Captain Junior Folueno was proud to be able to participate in the presentation.
“As a school, we feel privileged to have the Lone Pine – it will serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the Anzacs, ” Junior said.
Mr Byrne, who presented the Lone Pine seedling to Fountain Gate Secondary as part of the school’s 10th annual Anzac Day ceremony, said it was a rare honour to present the Lone Pine to this school and it was great to see the keen interest of the students.
“I commend Fountain Gate Secondary College for the ongoing success of this ceremony,” Mr Byrne said.
“The students here have shown that the Anzac spirit will be recognised long into the future.”