Taking on the massive responsibility, and honour, will instead be Seymour College’s vocational major and defence students, as part of their Planning and Implementing a Community Project unit.
The school’s defence mentor, Kelly Quigg, said it was important to educate students about the region’s military story.
“One of the most rewarding parts of my role is helping our students connect with the rich defence history of our local area,” Ms Quigg said.
“Our school has a proud tradition of attending and supporting all local Vietnam veterans’ Remembrance and Anzac Day ceremonies.
“This year, however, is particularly special to us. For the first time, Seymour College VM students will be leading the organisation of and delivering the ceremony — and I couldn’t be prouder.”
Leading the ceremony will be defence student Max Chetcuti and defence captain Dylan Frost, who both insist they aren’t nervous about delivering their speeches.
Each student has military ties in their family, and has been involved in past ceremonies.
“I’ve been to multiple with my dad, so I know what’s going to happen and how it’s going to run,” Max said.
“I’m all right with it, I’m not nervous at all.”
A number of local names have stepped up to help the students deliver the ceremony.
President of the Mitchell sub-branch of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia John Phoenix, along with president of the RSL Seymour sub-branch Mat Mclaughlin have been instrumental in helping the students organise the proceedings.
One of the challenges faced by the school in the process of arranging the ceremony was securing a catafalque party with limited notice; however, they were able to pull through on this tradition.
“We are incredibly grateful that the School of Armour catafalque party will be in attendance,” Ms Quigg said.
“Their presence adds such significance and formality to the ceremony, and we can’t thank them enough.”
With the ceremony no longer being led by local veterans, Ms Quigg said it was important to keep the tradition alive in town.
“We’re really hoping for a strong community turnout to lay wreaths, reflect and show support to both our Vietnam veterans and students who are stepping up to honour them,” she said.
“This is a solemn and meaningful occasion, and an honour for our school and our VM students to carry forward this legacy of remembrance and respect.
“We just hope it’s a really good turnout because it will be sad to see last year being the final one, considering how they were all welcomed, back in the day.
“Thank you doesn’t seem to be enough for our veterans.”
The Seymour College students will be leading attendees through the Vietnam Veterans’ Day ceremony on Monday, August 18 from 11am at the Vietnam Veterans Walk on High St.
For more information, contact Ms Quigg at Kelly.Quigg@education.vic.gov.au or on 5771 1300.
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