ADVERTORIAL
Community Connections
Stronger Together: Veterans Find
Draw to Remember – Honouring Service Through the Eyes of Our Youth Connection at Windsor RSL
In the lead-up to Remembrance Day, Windsor RSL Club, in partnership with the Windsor RSL Sub-Branch, proudly supports the Draw to Remember initiative, a heartfelt community project designed to connect local students with veterans and bring the spirit of remembrance to life in our schools and community.
Across the Hawkesbury primary schools including St Matthew’ s, Windsor, Bligh Park, Kurrajong East, and Ebenezer are taking part in this meaningful initiative. Each school has opened its doors to veterans from the Windsor Sub-Branch, who have been warmly welcomed into classrooms to share personal stories of service, sacrifice, and camaraderie.
For many students, these visits are their first opportunity to meet a veteran face-to-face, to listen, ask questions, and gain an understanding of what it truly means to serve one’ s country. The stories shared are powerful and personal, offering lessons that go far beyond history books. They
Richard DeBoy- Retired First Sargent in the US Marines and Michael O’ Brien- Warrant Officer currently serving at Richmond RAAF Reserves.
Artwork of Bligh Park Student
encourage young minds to think deeply about courage, gratitude, and the freedom we often take for granted.
Following each visit, students are invited to reflect on what they have learned and create a personal response, a drawing that expresses what Remembrance Day means to them.
Through their art, these students are not only honouring those who have served but also helping to keep their stories alive for future generations.
The finished works will be proudly displayed on the Community Wall at Windsor RSL, creating a powerful and heartfelt tribute to our servicemen and women. Visitors to the club are encouraged to take a moment to view the display, reflect on the importance of Remembrance Day, and celebrate
Adrain Wallace – Retired Trooper in the British Royal Tank Regiment and Col Richards – Retired Flight Sargent with Bligh Park School Captains.
the thoughtful contributions of our local students. Their creativity and compassion remind us of all the lasting impact of remembrance and the strength of community spirit that binds the Hawkesbury together.
Windsor RSL Sub-Branch Alum and purple heart recipient Richard DeBoy shared his pride in seeing the initiative come to life;“ After twenty years in the US Marine Corps and several combat tours, I’ ve come to understand that Remembrance Day isn’ t just about honouring the fallen, it’ s about the bond between those who’ ve served and the nations that stand together in their defence.
The shared sacrifices of Australians and Americans remind us that courage, loyalty, and mateship know no borders. It’ s truly inspiring to see the next generation take the time to learn about the importance of remembrance and reflect on the sacrifices made by so many.
These young students remind us that the spirit of remembrance is alive and well in our community, and their creative expressions are a moving tribute to all who have served.”
As Remembrance Day approaches, the Draw to Remember initiative serves as a powerful reminder that honouring our veterans is not just about looking back, it’ s about teaching the next generation to value peace, respect, and gratitude. Through this collaboration between Windsor RSL, the Sub-Branch, and local schools, our community continues to strengthen the bridge between past and present, ensuring that we will always remember them.
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THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 186 // NOVEMBER 2025 15