Victorian secondary school students are appointed as Shrine Young Ambassadors in September of each year and hold the position for a twelve month period. The Young Ambassadors participate in ceremonial and other duties throughout the year and play an important role in ensuring that the Shrine continues to be relevant to future generations of Australians. All new appointees will be invited to attend an Australian military history tour to Canberra, to explore the Australian War Memorial and the National Archives of Australia.
Selection Criteria
Students are usually identified by Shrine education staff, or by an accompanying teacher, during an educational visit to the Shrine and are encouraged to apply. Teachers or Principals may also wish to nominate a student they feel would qualify for the program. Students who show a genuine feeling for the significance of the Shrine, the nature of service and sacrifice and an interest in military history make excellent Young Ambassadors. To apply
SHRINE YOUNG AMBASSADORS REFLECTIONS - A VISIT TO CANBERRA
The newly appointed group of Young Ambassadors to the Shrine recently enjoyed a day together on a visit to Canberra. The purpose of the visit was to encourage their interest in military history and enhance their understanding of the concepts of service and sacrifice.
In the morning they visited the Australian War Memorial where they took part in a wreath laying ceremony, had an interesting discussion with a Vietnam veteran and were given a guided tour of key aspects of the Memorial’s First World War collection.
In the afternoon they travelled to the National Archives where, following a guided tour, they were able to inspect the original service records of a serviceman (typically, a family member) who they have chosen to research in some detail.
The students enjoyed the day and showed themselves to be an impressive and worthy group of Shrine Ambassadors.
Young Ambassadors Reflections
…the most memorable part was going to the National Archives. I was able to see the World War 1 records of …. my grandfather’s uncle. It was amazing to see and touch his original war records from nearly 100 years ago. I realised he wasn’t just a name or an ancestor; he was a young man with story……. (Emma)
….we didn’t know much except that he (great, great uncle) died of kidney failure while in German occupation. I saw that half of (his records) were in German, and I realized that they were official P.O.W records. What really shocked me was that he was caught in Crete defending the Greeks. This was very moving because my mum’s side of the family is Greek. So my dad’s ancestors were defending my mum’s ancestors and that, to me, was very touching. (James)
The best part of the day was when we had the opportunity to read the documents of our chosen soldier….I felt very proud to be able to go through my ancestor’s records. I was even fortunate enough to see a picture of him attached to the documents…… (Hayden)
I have never been to Canberra before….the best bit about the War Memorial was the collection of the various aircraft….(also) the preservation efforts of the staff to make even the mud fibres stay on the kits of the WW1 soldiers’ uniforms which shows how dedicated they are to preserving our war history…. (Jack)
…the most enjoyable experience of the day for me was meeting a Colonel who served in the Vietnam War. He spoke about the mateship and camaraderie shared between the soldiers he commanded. He also mentioned how the integral bond which held them all together in combat forms the basis on which the “Anzac Spirit” is based…. (Christian)
…the most memorable part…was the Wreath Laying Ceremony. It was truly memorable standing at the foot of the Unknown Soldier’s tomb, reciting the Ode. Thoughts rush into your head about this man dying for his country and our freedom. (Rivka)
The best part was when we got to hear from … a Vietnam veteran. He spoke of his experiences and showed us photos of the people he served with. It was incredible to hear his first- hand account of the war and how it has affected him since he came back, even after all this time. (Stephanie)
I got access to my grandfather’s service records. It was important for me to reflect on what his experiences were in the war because I had never got to meet him before he died. (Lachlan)
Being able to look through my Great Grandfather’s service forms was quite surreal. Knowing that (he) signed these just before he left to go to war and quite possibly make the ultimate sacrifice.…was just unbelievable. (Amanda)