THE Ballarat High School oval was transformed into a field of poppies for the school’s Anzac Day service on Thursday.
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With the Arch of Victory and Avenue of Honour as a backdrop, 1022 poppies were displayed below the podium honouring former students who had fought at war.
The poppies were inspired by the Tower of London poppy display. They are ceramic and will later be sold as a fundraiser.
School captain Liam McQualter spoke to guests about how the Anzac tradition was formed.
“The ideals of courage, endurance and mateship are still relevant today,” he said.
Arch of Victory/Avenue of Honour committee member Paul Jenkins also spoke to students.
“We’re meeting today within metres of one of the most outstanding memorials in Australia,” Mr Jenkins said.
“It will be up to the young people such as yourselves to maintain the Avenue of Honour, and replant trees.”
Ballarat RSL president Alex Tascas said the field of poppies was absolutely sensational.
She encouraged students to attend the Anzac Day dawn service at the Arch of Victory.
“This is your opportunity to participate in something special that you’ll remember for the rest of your life,” she said.