Listening to Remember

Alongside events like the Dawn Service and the Commemoration March, this ceremony plays an important role in educating younger generations about the significance of remembrance. The day gives students the chance to reflect on the meaning of service and sacrifice, while building a deeper understanding of the history that has shaped Australia.

Throughout the ceremony, students heard from distinguished personnel as well as their own peers. Ajay Sonti, winner of the national Legacy Junior Public Speaking Competition, recited his winning speech ‘Listen to Remember’.

Ajay’s speech was an engaging tribute to the importance of listening in the act of remembrance. Through humorous quips and heartfelt anecdotes, Ajay highlighted the importance of finding out the human side of history through storytelling.

Prior to the ceremony, we spoke to Ajay about remembrance and what it means to him.

Ajay reflected on how as a young person in 2026 he didn’t get to meet his great-grandfather who served, and this meant he did not feel like he had a direct link to service. He sought to reconnect with his family history by learning about his great-grandfather’s experiences through stories passed down from his father and by becoming more curious about his legacy.

This loss of direct connection, Ajay said, is why storytelling is more important than ever, so that we can remember those who served as well as their sacrifices.

He emphasised the impact of hearing stories directly from those who experienced active service. Ajay acknowledged that this provides a different perspective for young people who may not have a direct link to service.

“When you hear a veteran speaking, you're instantly going to listen and tune in,” Ajay said. “Because what they're saying, you've probably never really heard before.”

Ajay emphasised that the ANZAC Commemoration Ceremony for Students provides a meaningful opportunity to share stories that many young people may not have previously heard or considered. Hearing these accounts can encourage students to reflect more deeply on remembrance and form personal connections with the experiences being shared.

Through his involvement in the Legacy Junior Public Speaking Competition, Ajay has also gained a greater understanding of Legacy’s work supporting the families of veterans, and the importance of recognising how service affects not only those who serve, but their loved ones as well.

“Families are the forgotten side of a war,” he reflected. “When you think about a war or a conflict, you think about the soldiers and all the people fighting, but there's a whole other side to it.”

Ajay’s reflection reinforces a key purpose of the ANZAC Commemoration for Students, not only to honour the sacrifices of the ANZACs, but also to acknowledge the enduring impact on their families.