EX POW ASSOCIATION OF W.A. AND THE MOUNT LAWLEY SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL ANNUAL SERVICE AT THE EX-POW MEMORIAL IN KINGS PARK.
Chairman of the Burma Thailand Railway Memorial Association Eric Wilson OAM APM and Tour Leader David Piesse attended the 24th Memorial Service for ex Prisoners of War conducted by Mount Lawley Senior High School at Kings Park on Friday 6th May 2022. The Burma Thailand Railway Memorial Association, the Ex-Prisoners of War Association and the Mount Lawler Senior High School have been associated with this function since 1997. Mount Lawley Senior High School has been regularly represented on the Quiet Lion Tour to Thailand for Anzac Day by students of the School
A large contingent of people that included Arthur Leggett OAM ED, (President of the ex-POW Association), assembled at the Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial in Kings Park. The service (the 24th year) was coordinated and supported admirably by the Principal, Staff and Students from Mount Lawley Senior High School. This included the school choir, concert band and bugler Mr David Scott.
The Australia Defence Force, Service Groups and other organisation were well represented together with many veterans and their families. His Excellency the Honourable Kim Beazley AC, Governor of Western Australia and the Honourable Mark McGowan MLA, Premier of Western Australia, headed the list of distinguished guests and each addressed the assemblage on the importance of function.
The Master of Ceremonies, School Captain Will Corbett, opened proceedings. “Follow The Dream” student Tahlia-Rae Willcocks presented an Acknowledgement of Country and an address of welcome.
Mount Lawley Senior High Mr Andrew Paul presented the Call to Worship.
The principal’s address was delivered by Mount Lawley Senior High School Principal Ms Lesley Street who referred to the first two students to attend the Quiet Lion Tour in 1998 The school choir delivered a beautiful rendition of the hymn Abide with Me.
School prefect Will Moldrich recited Psalm 121.
School Prefect Max Lippiatt delivered The Lord’s Prayer.
Mount Lawley Year 9 Councillors Ben Dutton and Jasmeet Saini laid the school wreath.
Many wreaths from individuals and kindred organisations were laid.
A wreath was laid on behalf of the BTRMA by the Chairman and Tour Leader.
Arthur Leggett OAM ED (President of the ex-POW Association) School recited the Ode.
Bugler Mr David Scott rendered The Last Post and after one minute silence, the Reveille.
Flags were raised from half mast in perfect unison.
The assembly sang the National Anthem before Mr Andrew Paul completed the ceremony with the Blessing.
The service concluded with tea, coffee and light refreshments supplied by the catering students at Mount Lawley Senior High School – including a packet of their Anzac Cookies.
Once again, a wonderful effort by all concerned.
Eric Wilson
Burma Thailand Railway Memorial Association.
