Caloundra City Private School students commemorate family military links on Anzac Day

Coast school students have honoured family links to battles fought long ago and in recent times to ensure their legacy will recognised for generations to come.

Caloundra school students Cade Stowers and Lillie Sullivan wore family war medals to school ahead of Anzac Day.

Coast school students have honoured family links to battles fought long ago and in recent times to ensure their legacy will recognised for generations to come.

Caloundra City Private School Year 5 student Lillie Sullivan proudly wore her great grandfather’s WWII medal to school last week in the lead up to Anzac Day.

Lillie said her great grandfather, John Edward Sullivan, was 20 when he was posted to New Guinea where he served for four years and drove soldier trucks.

Caloundra school student Lillie Sullivan's great grandfather John Edward Sullivan served as a truck driver in New Guinea in WWII.

“My poppy tells me stories about my great grandfather at the war camps, and how there was boxing rings, and that he drove the trucks up large cliffs with just enough room for the trucks.”

Lillie said her great grandfather was awarded four service medals, which were given to each of his four children when he died.

“This one that I am wearing is an Australia Service Medal, recognising him serving afloat with the United States Army small ships during WWII,” she said.

Caloundra school student Lillie Sullivan's great grandfather John Edward Sullivan served as a truck driver in New Guinea in WWII.

According to Lillie’s mother, Natasha Sullivan, the day holds strong importance in their family as an opportunity to remember not only her own grandfather, but all of the Australians and New Zealanders who have served at war.

“Remembering my own grandfather is a legacy to be able to pass down from generation to generation,” she said.

Meanwhile, Year 12 student Cade Stowers said his dad’s army service brought extra significance to Anzac Day commemorations.

“Anzac Day is an especially important day in my family,” he said.

“My father served in the army for 20 years, including serving our nation in Afghanistan.”

Cade said discussions within his family had shaped his perspective of the Anzacs and instilled a strong sense of respect.

“Dad and I talk often about the importance of Anzac Day,” he said.

“He shares the sacrifices he and his friends made during their service, and due to this, the respect he has for all Anzacs given their similar shared experiences faced.”

Originally published as Caloundra City Private School students commemorate family military links on Anzac Day