Coin collection celebrates the spirit of the Anzacs
OLIVER Thompson is only in Year 5, and would like to serve but has his own fears about war. He is proud to remember the ANZACs — something immortalised in News Corp’s limited edition coin collection.
OLIVER Thompson may only be 11, but he’s inspired by the bravery of his forefathers, and intrigued to hear all of his grandfather’s war stories.
The military is in his blood. And he’s proud.
Oliver’s grandfather Philip Coen fought in the Vietnam War, while his great-grandfather Peter Coen and his twin brothers defended their country in WWII, and his great-great-grandfather Henry was a WWI veteran.
The Sydney youngster is the face of a generation that is proud to remember, and replicate, the spirit of the ANZACs — something immortalised in News Corp Australia’s limited edition 15-day coin collection.
“I am proud because they fought for this country — they wanted to protect us and they were willing to risk their lives to do that,” said the Year 5 pupil from Gymea in Sydney’s south.
“I think it would be really hard.
“I’d like to serve my country but I don’t like the idea of going to war — it sounds really scary and I think my relatives were really brave to put their lives at risk like that.”
Oliver said he first became interested in his family’s history when he would visit his great-grandfather and see all the treasures he collected from his time travelling the world with the Army.
“I used to visit my great grandpa in Canberra every second week before he died to just talk about their army stories,” Oliver said.
“Then after he died I was able to wear his medals and march with my grandpa in the Anzac Day March, and I enjoy talking to my grandpa about his experiences.
“He has lots of stories and he likes to talk about them.
“It’s amazing to hear about all the places he went to and what he got the medals for.”
He said it was important for young generations of Australians to learn about the men and women who have defended their nation over the last 100 years.
“Being part of this ANZAC coin experience has helped me think about it more and learn more about what my relatives have done for the country,” he said.
“I think it’s very important for young people to learn more about what the military have done for us.
“We can remember, respect and learn what they did for us so that we can enjoy our lives today. We are all very lucky.”
As the centenary of Armistice Day fast approaches, News Corp Australia marks the moment by celebrating the true strength and characteristics of our soldiers with a limited edition 15-day ANZAC Spirit coin collection for readers.
Developed in partnership with Westpac, Legacy, and the Royal Australian Mint, the coins are inspired by the stunning stained glass windows in the Australian War Memorial’s moving Hall of Memory.
Each coin is labelled by the characteristics of the famed stained-glass windows, representing the virtues that make up the men and women who fought — and continue to fight — for Australia’s freedom.
The coins are being released daily with News Corp Australia newspapers.
For more information visit anzaccoincollection.com.au
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