School pupils adopt Vietnam vet digger

Former artillery serviceman Jim Kester had a tear in his eye last Friday when he was selected for Endeavour Schools’ Adopt a Digger program.

For the past decade, the Port Kennedy school and education centre has adopted a Digger, one who shares a link with Endeavour, to educate the students about Australia’s war history.

The school commemorated Anzac Day with an assembly and presented Mr Kester with a plaque last week.

Mr Kester, who served for two years in the Australian Army 4th Field Regiment in Nui Dat, South Vietnam, is now the school’s crossing guard.

The Vietnam veteran said it was an honour and a privilege to be selected by the school.

“There are some moments in life where your heart stands still and today was one of those days,” Mr Kester said.

“I almost cried when the children were singing one of the songs, it was very emotional.”

He said Anzac Day held special memories for him.

“I’m glad I was alive to see a lot of the Anzac soldiers still alive.

“I would just like the children of today to go up to the Diggers of World War II and say to them ‘thank you for the sacrifices you made’,” he said.

Defence schools transition aide Sharon Lamont said the Adopt a Digger program was special to the school and an important history lesson for students.

“It educates the students about what has happened in war in the past, and educates students that war is still continuing and there are still servicemen out there fighting for Australia,” she said.

“Students need to be aware about what has happened in history and we need to respect and honour our past servicemen and women.”