ANZAC Day 2007
Cadet Flight Sergeant Rebecca Lennon - Paramatta Cadet at ANZAC Cove
This year Anzac Day will be very different for Paramatta's Rebecca Lennon. She's now in Turkey with the Australian Defence Force's official contingent and will attend the services at ANZAC Cove itself.
This year Rebecca, a Cadet Flight Sergeant in the 322nd (City of Ryde ) Squadron of the Australian Air Force Cadets, was awarded the Cadet Sergeant Eleanore "Ellie" Tibble Memorial Pilgrimage Scholarship. The scholarship is in memory of Tasmania 's Cadet Sergeant Ellie Tibble who died in 2000.
The scholarship provides for the recipient to travel to Gallipoli and further their understanding of the ANZAC tradition, the role of the Australian Imperial Force in the Great War, and to take part in the ADF Remembrance services.
Rebecca, 18, who joined the Australian Air Force Cadets in September 2003, won the scholarship due to her previous involvement in commemorative services; appreciation of the significance of Gallipoli; and her demonstrated leadership, dress and bearing.
"The Scholarship acknowledges one of our past members - and offers a unique opportunity for an Air Force Cadet to participate in one of our most significant Remembrance services," Rebecca said. "It is an honour to be selected and to be with the Australian Defence Force at Gallipoli on ANZAC Day."
Rebecca attended Cumberland High School and, in addition to the cadets, was interested in sports generally, especially hockey. She has an interest in history and languages and intends to join the Permanent Royal Australian Air Force, continuing to develop these skills.
As part of the journey through Turkey , Rebecca has already visited some of Istanbul 's considerable historic sites, experiencing first hand the traditions, language and culture of the country - and eating the local cuisine. On ANZAC Day, she will be Wreath Orderly to the Honourable Doctor Brendan Nelson MP, The Minister For Defence.
"A large number of Australians and representatives from other nations will be at the services this year," said Rebecca. "But this particular service, near the birth place of the ANZAC spirit - I'm expecting it to be an emotionally intense experience."
(Date uploaded: 24 April 2007 - 03 image)