Girl Guides proud to be part of tradition

By Helensburgh Girl Guides Maya and Bella

On the 25th of April representing Helensburgh Girl Guides, Maya, Bella and Guide leader Brolga went to Charles Harper Park to acknowledge and pay their respects to the brave ANZACS who fought for our country.

It was a dark and fresh morning. People gathered in silence remembering the heroes that suffered or lost their lives for us. We first listened to the Acknowledgement of Country. We heard stories from the soldiers and said prayers for them. During the service we came forward to the memorial for Maya to place down our wreath as a symbol of remembrance. I felt honoured and proud to be part of this tradition.

One by one the names were called out of those laying the wreaths, when they got to Girl Guides I was very nervous but that didn’t stop me! Bella, Brolga and I approached slowly and stood together, made the Guides salute and I stepped forward to lay down the wreath. I felt amazing and special to do this but that didn’t keep me from paying my respects. It felt so important and was an amazing honour.

The Australian flag was lowered and we had a one minute silence for the fallen soldiers. This was one of the most important parts. As the bugle played the Last Post we all stood still remembering them. The silence made me feel a lot of respect and gratitude.