I was honoured to play a specific role in the Camden Dawn Service this year as a sentry in the Catafalque Party, which required intense training. Traditionally, the Catafalque Party is a guard, usually of four armed sentries, that stands watch over the catafalque (coffin) of a distinguished person or over a significant monument. On Anzac Day, the Catafalque Party stood guard as a symbolic form of respect for those who have served and fallen.

The Anzac commemorations were special this year because women led marches across the nation for the first time. The marches focused on recognising all women who not only provided support for servicemen, but for women who also led on the frontlines. I was the only female sentry in the Catafalque party and as a female cadet in the AAFC, I am happy to see that the number of female cadets is growing.

The AAFC is a youth organisation that is funded by the Royal Australian Air Force and upholds inclusive values including integrity, courage, loyalty and teamwork. The AAFC allows us to be involved in many things that would normally be uncommon for teenage girls. For example, flying an aeroplane or attending survival camps. In addition, developing leadership and being self-disciplined in a military environment teaches us to apply effort and achieve something great. Anzac Day was something great… not just for myself and the other St Pat’s girls, but was great for our country.
(Pictures by Brett Atkins- Capture Camden)

Caroline A – Year 10 Student

NB: After the Dawn Service in Camden the cadet girls joined in at the Campbelltown Anzac March.