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The community of Merici College gathered together at a special ANZAC Assembly. The students and staff welcomed Commander Bernadette Alexander RAN to the assembly as the guest speaker. Other members of the community in attendance included Mr Alistair Coe MLA, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Mr John King representing the Returned and Services League of Australia ACT Branch, Mr John Robbins from Legacy, and our Defence students and families.
Commander Alexander joined the Navy in January 1988, graduating from the Australian Defence Force Academy in 1990 and is dual qualified as a Maritime Warfare Officer and Management Executive Capability Development Officer. Her service history includes sea and shore postings in Darwin, Cairns, Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra. Commander Alexander has served in Border Protection Operations in Northern Australia and in 2016 was deployed to Bahrain with the Australian-led contingent of Combined Task Force 150. She is currently posted in Navy Capability Division, Russell, working in Patrol Force projects. Commander Alexander is married to Justin, an Army Officer and they have four daughters, two of whom are currently enrolled at Merici.
Commander Alexander spoke about the significance of ANZAC Day. “Today we remember those who died or suffered for Australia’s cause in all wars, conflicts and peace keeping operations. We reflect on the sacrifice and service of their families and we unite as the community of Merici to pause to appreciate the legacy that has been passed on to us – born of hope and forged in self-sacrifice.”
Commander Alexander recounted her family history in military service, going back to the military life of her great grandfather who fought at Gallipoli and her great-uncle who served on the Western Front and sadly lost his life. Commander Alexander acknowledged the records on the websites of the Australian War Memorial and National Archives of Australia- where she researched family letters, service records and the eye witness accounts of her great-uncle’s death.
Commander Alexander concluded her address by stating, “We do not celebrate victory or glorify war. We celebrate the human spirit”.
The Merici College Choir and Band performed beautifully throughout the assembly. A Catafalque Party from the Federation Guard also participated in the Anzac Assembly and their presence made for a memorable event and showcased the ANZAC tradition and spirit. The Anzac Connections project was also highlighted in the Assembly and the display of military memorabilia will remain open outside the iC until the end of next month.
At the conclusion of the assembly, all Defence families and guests enjoyed refreshments served by Hospitality students and staff in the College restaurant.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our students who attended the ANZAC Day March and Service in Queanbeyan on Tuesday 25 April, continuing a long tradition of involvement by Merici College. Our girls represented the College in a most dignified manner and we would like to extend our appreciation to them for supporting this most important event.