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College pays respect

Returned and Services League of Australia State President Graham Edwards with ADF cadet Tristan Hall, 17, Kokoda veteran Cyril Allender, and ADF cadet Karl Jones, 15.

Poppies covered the grass and recollections of World War I lined the hallways at Comet Bay College last week when the school held its commemorative Anzac service.

The school hosted a special ceremony to honour the courage and sacrifices made by servicemen and women on the shores of Gallipoli, but also to acknowledge all those who have served during the past 100 years.

The school has won the State School Anzac Ceremony Award three times and the national award once for its moving commemorations.

The sound of bagpipes echoed through the halls as invited guests were led to their seats.

Keynote speaker, Returned and Services League of Australia State president Graham Edwards, gave a memorable commemorative address highlighting the importance of feeling and respecting the qualities of the Anzacs.

"We became known as the people who didn't give up when the going got tough," Mr Edwards said.

He spoke of bravery, compassion, the attitude of giving everyone a fair go, great Australian mateship and pride.

World War II veteran John "JJ" Wade read a moving Ode before the school went quiet for the Last Post and the minute's silence.

The morning also included a dramatic and musical performance on WWI by the students and a 10th Light Horse Tent-pegging display.

Event organiser and CBC defence and transition mentor Claire Hunt said the ceremony was worth every bit of the effort to co-ordinate to suitably honour past and serving military members.

CBC associate principal Stewart Pryer said the morning greatly represented the memory of the Anzacs, and the work and sacrifices of the men and women in the armed forces.

He thanked Ms Hunt, students, and outside presenters for their efforts to make the day special.