Around 3000 Queensland school students gathered in Brisbane’s Anzac Square today. Each year, young people pay their own tribute, ahead of Wednesday’s official services.

Rachel Riley reports.

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The Last Post echoed solemnly over the city as students and teachers paused to remember the sacrifices of Anzacs at war.

Representatives from some 150 schools joined dignitaries and service men and women in laying wreaths at the Shrine of Remembrance.

The ceremony was an opportunity for students to reflect and give thanks to those who defended our freedom and the Australian way of life.

Anthony Lewis, School Student: “Well you definitely get that tingling down your spine every now and again especially in the speeches.”

The two key themes were commemorating and honouring.

Arthur Burke OAM, Anzac Day Commemoration Committee: “We must continue to honour those who served the nation but we must never forget to commemorate those who’ve given their all.”

The importance of family connections were also emphasised with younger and older generations uniting to share in the moment.

Nicholas Burke, Arthur Burke’s grandson: “My mum got really emotional during it and I was just really proud of my Grandpa and what he’s done.”

The Government is looking at new opportunities to educate young people on Australia’s history.

From Anzac Day next year, Premier Campbell Newman plans to send up to 50 students from across Queensland to ceremonies overseas.

The plan will culminate in 2015 for the centenary of the first Gallipolli landing.

Rachel Riley, QUT News