By Emma Harrop
WHO is going to teach our children to remember our fallen, the brave men and women that went to battle for our country and gave their lives so we could enjoy our freedom?
The Federal Government has been prompted to address the infiltration of activism, amidst efforts by pro-Palestine teacher groups advocating anti-Anzac Day sentiments in Australian schools.
Last week, Teachers and School Staff for Palestine in Victoria urged the community to reconsider glorifying the past and present actions of the Australian military on the National Day of Remembrance, observed annually on April 25.
The group announced its intention to reshape the significance of Anzac Day and the broader Australian military by educating students about the Army Corps’ involvement in suppressing Palestinian people during WWI.
Education Minister Jason Clare voiced criticism on Wednesday, stating that it was inappropriate for advocacy groups to sow division on an occasion that stands as a pinnacle of respect for soldiers who sacrificed their lives in service of the nation. “No one should be attacking our Anzac legacy. It disrespects those that have fought and died in our name,” he said.
But Mr Clare’s opposition counterpart Sarah Henderson deemed the rebuke insufficient, calling on him to ensure the materials being pushed by the group not be used in an official teaching capacity.
“This is a warped view of history run by activists… the classroom is for education, not indoctrination,” she told Sky News host Peta Credlin.
“The way that this group has reflected on the legend of the Anzacs, of the sacrifice of those who served in all wars, including more than 100,000 Australians who made the ultimate sacrifice. It’s absolutely appalling.”
Meanwhile, in a town nestled amidst orchards, farms and lush bushland in the Goulburn Valley, there lives a five-year-old boy named Toby. From the moment he could walk, Toby was fascinated by tales of valour and courage. His eyes would sparkle with excitement as he listened to stories of brave soldiers defending their homeland from fearsome foes.
As he grew older, Toby’s fascination with the idea of becoming a soldier only intensified. He would watch with wide-eyed wonder as soldiers both past and present marched in the streets and he stood in silence and listened as the bugle played the Last Post. He has visited the War Memorial in Canberra where he walked around fascinated by the items and stories from past wars.
Toby’s mum Stephanee explained that Toby’s bedroom is adorned with toy soldiers, books, costumes and a cam net covering his bed. Toby’s favourite song is I was only 19 by Redgum, his favourite book goes by the same title. His favourite movie is Soldier Boy and if asked, I reckon he would be pretty fond of the odd Anzac biscuit too, a testament to his unwavering dream of becoming a soldier himself one day, just like his grandfather.
So, before dawn on April 25, just like previous years, Toby woke early and dressed in his favourite outfit… his soldier Cams. You see, Anzac Day is one of Toby’s favourite days of the year. Where he can be surrounded by his idols and listen to the stories they tell.
This year Toby had the opportunity to sit down with 30-year army veteran Mark Harrop for a chat.
Mark enlisted into the army three days before he turned 18, arriving at Kapooka Army Base with everything he owned contained in a duffle bag. He moved locations every three years from then on. He has been based at Kapooka Army Base in Wagga Wagga, 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment Holsworthy Army Base in Sydney, 4th Field Regiment at Lavarack Army Barracks, Townsville, ADFA (Australian Defence Force Academy) in Canberra both as an instructor and with the Federation Guard, School of Artillery at the Puckapunyal Army Base as an instructor and Troop Sergeant, 1st Regiment, Enoggera Army Base.
Mark’s career included, one operational tour of East Timor, two trips to Afghanistan, one of which included 12 months living and working in the UK alongside the British Army and deploying with them to Afghanistan for six months on Operation Herrick in Helmand Province. He has also done four three-month long training rotations in Malaysia with Rifle Company Butterworth, training alongside the Malaysian, Thai and Singapore Armed Forces.
After almost 30 years in active service Warrant Officer Class 2 Mark Harrop retired in mid 2023. He’s a humble man and doesn’t often talk about his honours and awards which include the Australian Active Service medal with ICAT and the East Timor Clasp, Afghanistan Medal, Long Service Medal, Australian Defence Medal, United Nations Medal East Timor, ISAF NATO Medal, British Afghanistan Campaign Medal. Mark initially enlisted as an infantry soldier and posted to 3RAR as a paratrooper for six long years before transferring to Royal Australian Artillery as a gun number on a gunline where he saw out the remainder of his career. He was awarded the Soldier of the Year while posted to Townsville and has also been awarded two Australia Day Medals for his outstanding service.
One of Mark’s best memories was when he was serving as a member of the Federation Guard and was privileged to be appointed as the Catapult Party Commander for the Anzac Day Service at Anzac Cove, Gallipoli in 2008.
Army life wasn’t always easy for Mark, he has seen things he hopes no one ever has to see. He has missed out on seeing his family on special occasions and only made it back home 12 hours prior to his youngest child being born… almost missing the birth altogether.
He has lost comrades along the journey, individuals whose struggles with their inner demons proved overwhelming and has seen firsthand the devastation that war has on both adults and children.
Toby says he is very proud of Mark and his service and hopes to be just like him when he grows up.
Mark’s advice to Toby is to “eat all your veggies, especially your broccoli and get fit and strong so you can be the best soldier you can be.”
