By NOEL MURPHY
SARAH Kenworthy had it down in spades when she described the Anzac ethos as one of courage, mateship and values that remain relevant today.
The snapshot of that Aussie esprit de corps earned her a trip to Gallipoli with a State government-sponsored Victoria Remembers tour. Sarah, in year 12 at Sacred Heart College, was one of 90 students selected from across the state.
Two of her great, great uncles served in World War I, one of them, Michael Cronin, fatally.
Sarah said the experience was both moving and educational.
She visited Australian, British and Turkish memorials, rubbed shoulders with Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Prince Harry and shed tears at the 100th anniversary Gallipoli commemoration.
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Sarah said.
“And it was really emotional – all these people who showed so much courage, who fought and died. And many of them were only as young as I am.
“The dawn service was a moving and solemn experience and the walk through the dark to stand with thousands of others felt like a fitting tribute to the men whose lives were forever changed by Gallipoli.”
Sarah visited Istanbul before travelling to the Gallipoli Peninsula.
“At the Turkish monument we happened on a performance by the imperial band, which historically provided music to stir the bravery of soldiers, and met locals military and police who were as keen to have photos with us as we were with them.
“At Cape Hellas we got a special unexpected briefing from a royal marine and from the curator of the Imperial War Memorials. Our last stop was the Redoubt Cemetery, a poignant reminder of the loss of so many young lives, in what is now a very beautiful and tranquil place.”
