Heartfelt remembrance: 14,000 Queensland students honour service personnel through drawing

This year, local veterans and members from 47 participating RSL Sub Branches across the state are visiting schools in their local areas, teaching the young students about the importance and history of Remembrance Day.  

Inspired by these learnings, students will then put chalk to concrete at their schools, illustrating the sacrifice of those who’ve served in the Australian Defence Force since World War I.  

Continuing to see an increase in participation amongst school students in Queensland through this initiative, the uptake of student involvement has almost doubled from last year with more than 14,000 students from 177 schools – from Coolangatta to Cairns and everywhere in between – taking part in the age-appropriate activity. 

RSL Queensland State President Major General Stephen Day DSC AM said RSL Queensland and its network of Sub Branches have felt such pride seeing hundreds of colourful displays created each year, showcasing creativity, respect and knowledge of the commemoration. 

“Draw to Remember is not only an engaging and unique way for students to learn about military history and our Defence Force, but it also provides the opportunity for children to share what Remembrance Day means to them,” MAJGEN Day said. 

“We strive to bring about ways which encourage the younger generation to reflect on and understand the immeasurable contributions of our service personnel, both past and present. It has been tremendous to see how well the activity has been received throughout the state.” 

For Queensland’s Far North, Townsville RSL Sub Branch Secretary Pauline McGuire praised how the initiative helped to strengthen relationships with local schools and the school communities. 

“Draw to Remember has been a great activity in Townsville, we have participated for all three years and have seen the school uptake increase from eight schools in 2021, to 16 schools in 2024, so we are really noticing that desire to be involved,” Mrs McGuire said.  

Sharing a similar sentiment, North Gold Coast RSL Sub Branch School Liaison Officer Matt Ardley said the initiative had been fantastic for creating a stronger link with both students and teachers about the commemoration. 

“Discussing with schools that participated last year, they all loved being a part of it,” Mr Ardley said.  

“Art is very prevalent for younger children in those formative years, and I think the activity generates more awareness of Remembrance Day, making sure our local schools are pausing on the day so that moment of remembrance isn’t missed.”