Queensland kids’ creativity keeps remembrance alive

A new Remembrance Day tradition was born in 2022 with RSL Queensland’s launch of Draw to Remember.  

Each year since, thousands of primary school students have taken part in the activity, creating colourful, heart-warming chalk murals to honour our service personnel.  

The success of Draw to Remember continues to grow, and RSL Queensland expects even more children to take part this year. 

In October, RSL Sub Branch volunteers will once again visit local schools to teach students about Remembrance Day and encourage remembrance through art. 

It’s a unique opportunity for children to learn from a local veteran about the significance of 11 November, and create their own commemorative chalk mural for Remembrance Day.  

Cardwell RSL Sub Branch President Robert Lang, who teamed up with Murray River Upper State School in 2022 and 2023, spoke highly of the activity and the young artists who embraced it. 

“The kids had an absolute ball with it,” Robert says.  

“What amazed me when I went to see the results of their art was just how much they knew about military history. And some of them were only prep kids. 

“It was wonderful to see them, and you couldn’t walk on the footpaths at the school because it was all covered in chalk. They had six boxes of chalk, thanks to the RSL, and they used every stick of it. 

“Every time it rained, which is pretty well what happens in the tropics, the next morning the kids were out touching up their artwork. It was great to see.” 

RSL Queensland will again supply the materials for Draw to Remember – including chalk and learning resources – free to participating schools via RSL Sub Branches. 

Instructions and other educational material will also be available online for anyone to download free. 

RSL Queensland State President Major General Stephen Day DSC AM says Draw to Remember forms a key part of RSL Queensland’s mission to share the importance of commemorations like Remembrance Day, while ensuring the legacy of our traditions are passed on to the younger generations.  

“We are proud to support schools across the state and provide essential resources that assist students in connecting with and understanding the significance of Remembrance Day in an interactive and creative way,” MAJGEN Day says.  

“Encouraging children to be mindful in their reflection and explore their unique intergenerational connection to past and present serving veterans is crucial to continuing the strong, enduring legacy.” 

Draw to Remember chalk murals will be unveiled in the week leading up to Remembrance Day. Follow RSL Queensland on Facebook or subscribe to our newsletter to see the photos. 

Remember to Remember 

This Remembrance Day (11 November), join millions worldwide in honouring those who died in service to their country.  

Attend a service, wear a poppy, or observe a minute’s silence at 11am, and help keep the legacy of our service people alive. 

Lest we forget. 

Plan Your Remembrance Day