Sally’s speech an Anzac Day highlight
A moving speech by Ballina High School captain Sally Hunt was a highlight of the Ballina Anzac Day activities.
“I am 18. So were you,” said Ms Hunt in reflecting on the young Diggers who fought at Gallipoli.
“I go to school to receive an education. You went to war so I could do so.
“I wake up in my bed. You woke up in a muddy grave.
“I dream of life and the future. You had nightmares of grief and death.
“You were the proudest of Australians … and so am I.
“Because of you and your sacrifice, I live a life of freedom and peace, hope and opportunity, in a country of liberty and prosperity.
“Because of your incredible gift, I will celebrate your memory, and remember.
“I will live by your example of what it means to be an Australian.”
Heavy rain threatened to dampen the Anzac spirit yesterday, but a break in the weather allowed the march to be completed without those taking part getting a drenching.
Big crowds lined River Street and warmly applauded the marchers. About 1000 gathered at the Ballina RSL for the commemorative service.
Earlier, about 500 people attended the traditional dawn service.
April 25th, 2006 at 8:41 pm
Pleased to hear that the rain held off for the March.
It’s interesting to see that all television coverage had a real emphasis on the importance of Anzac Day to the younger generations. One Digger commented that it was really starting to hit home that the sacrifices that were made all those years ago were not in vain.