APPLETHORPE State School pupils and staff gathered with their local community at the Applethorpe Memorial Park on Monday, April 23, to take part in a special Anzac Day commemorative ceremony.

Marking one of Australia's most important national occasions, our children listened to an inspiring Anzac Day address delivered Stanthorpe RSL vice-president Norm Steele and paid their respects to our fallen soldiers by laying wreaths, listening to the sounds of the Last Post and observing one minute's silence.

All students contributed to the occasion with a beautiful song, sung in chorus, titled Can You Hear the Children Marching before proudly singing the Australian national anthem in company with all those who had gathered for this special community event.

A shared morning tea of deliciously home-made Anzac biscuits and playtime in the Applethorpe Memorial Park surrounds was a wonderful finish to this special event, which served to remind us all of the sacrifice our soldiers have made for us and for the many freedoms we enjoy.

On Anzac Day, our students gathered for the Anzac Day march through Stanthorpe, proudly representing our school in recognition and appreciation for the service of our soldiers, both past and currently serving.

Anzac Day is also an occasion on which our pupils say thank you for our brave forces overseas.

Under the guidance of our Prep-Year 2 teacher Carmel Butler, students have been regularly corresponding with our defence force personnel since 2015, exchanging wonderful letters with these courageous men and women with the aim of brightening their days and providing support and encouragement to them while they are serving their country.