Year 1 Student Umar and Year 6 Student Emily with Eastern Regional RSL Member Ray Kennedy
Camera IconYear 1 Student Umar and Year 6 Student Emily with Eastern Regional RSL Member Ray Kennedy Credit: Supplied/Matt Jelonek www.communitypix.com.au d488467

Bassendean: Eastern Regional RSL member Raymond Kennedy visits Casa Mia Montessori Community School for Remembrance Day

Kristie LimEastern Reporter

BASSENDEAN-based Eastern Regional RSL member Raymond Kennedy says the Armistice Centenary is a time to remember his father’s service.

This year Remembrance Day marks 100 years since the end of World War I.

The Swan View resident’s father served in Greece in 1941 and was part of the II Anzac Corps, an army corps that was formed as part of the reorganisation of the Australian Imperial Force.

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Mr Kennedy, who is a former army reservist, spoke to the Reporter at Casa Mia Montessori Community School’s Remembrance Day assembly on November 8.

“It is an honour to come talk to children for them to remember,” he said.

“It is important for us to remember what happened so we never forget.

“We thought that was going to be the war that end all wars but in actual fact it was not, it was just the beginning of the next wars.”

Mr Kennedy said fortunately, after the end of World War II, the Allies rebuilt Germany and Japan so there was no need for a third major conflict.

“We were all better for it and helping each other,” he said.

“I think it is important that we remember our forefathers and just do the best you can for the community, your family and your school.”

Students performed In Flanders Fields and I Vow to Thee and My Country and made poppies out of fabric and plastic to create a Swan River of Poppies.

Principal Janet Laing said the school focused on teaching the kids how to make peace and take care of each other.

Ms Laing said it was also important to honour Aboriginal people who served in war.

“We discovered that Aboriginals had gone into war and gone into conflicts for Australia but many of them were not honoured because they were considered to be not citizens,” she said.