A moving speech by Deputy Head Boy Thomas Day was a highlight of the 2017 Mount Albert Grammar School ANZAC Service, held in the FW Gamble Hall on Thursday, 13 April.
Thomas spoke of two relatives who died in war – Walter Vinnicombe, who died from wounds sustained at Gallipoli and was buried at sea, and his Great Uncle Ron Verney, who was killed in Italy in World War II.
“Walter and Ron were two men who epitomised why we have ANZAC Day – to remember and commemorate those who gave everything they had to ensure the world became a better place,” said Thomas. “I think ANZAC Day is also one of celebration – to value those we have around us, and be thankful for the freedom New Zealand enjoys.”
The service was attended Year 9 and 13 students, Headmaster Mr Patrick Drumm, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Mr Greg Moyle, President of the Albertians Association Mr Aftab Moosa, and a number of Albertians. Albertian bagpiper Mr Andrew Wilkie piped dignitaries into and from the hall. Attending on behalf of returned servicemen was Mr Bill Ashdown, President of the Pt Chevalier Memorial RSA.
Te Puna o Wairaka performed a welcome haka to dignitaries and sung a waiata following a speech in te reo by student Uenuku Malesala.
As at every ANZAC Service, the names of 50 fallen Albertians were read aloud, the Ode of Remembrance was read in English and Maori, and a laying of wreaths was performed during the Last Post and Reveille, as the school flag was lowered and raised.
Albertians then attended a lunch at School House, where the guest speakers were Acting Headmaster Mr Paul McKinley and Head Prefects Jack Casey-Pickering and Jaimee McLaughlan.
Thomas and Jaimee also spoke at the community ANZAC Service at the Mt Albert War Memorial Hall on Tuesday, 25 April, and laid a wreath on behalf of the school.