Dan Tehan,
the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister
Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC,
has launched a large-format picture book aimed at
teaching young Australians about the importance of
commemoration.
Minister
Tehan said the book, Here they come: A day to
remember, is for primary school students up to Year
3. It explores the experiences, feelings and motivations
for different members of the community attending a
commemorative ceremony.
"Commemorative services mean different things to
different communities and individuals, and this book
provides a snapshot of responses by a diverse range of
Australians," Minister Tehan said.
"The book
explains the difference between commemoration and
celebration, as well as the symbols associated with
different commemorative events."
Minister
Tehan said Here they come: A day to remember will
be distributed to primary schools nationwide in the
lead-up to Anzac Day. The book is supported by online
learning activities, which align to the Australian
Curriculum.
"Teachers
will be able to explore Anzac Day to assist their
students to appreciate the concept of commemoration and
broaden their knowledge of Australia’s wartime history,"
Minister Tehan said.
The Anzac
Centenary 2014 to 2018 is the most significant period of
commemoration in our nation’s history and provides the
platform to educate a new generation about Australia’s
wartime history.
"Australian
students will learn about the impact of war on
Australian communities," Minister Tehan said.
"These
materials will also help them understand the service and
sacrifice of all those who have served over the past 100
years, and those who continue to serve the nation in
wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations."
Each school across Australia will
receive the education resource by the end of March 2016.
The learning activities are available for free download
from the Anzac Portal at
www.anzacportal.dva.gov.au
