Young William McMartin always observes ANZAC Day and, with his twin brother, marches proudly wearing his grandfather’s war medals.

“ANZAC Day is a tradition that means a lot to me and my brother, Edward, because my grandfather was a brave paratrooper who served in World War II,” William said.

“He and his mates served to protect our freedom and keep us in peace. He was the bravest person and will always stay in my heart.”

William, in Year 4 at Abbotsford Public School, recently won the primary division of the RSL and Schools Remember ANZAC Art Competition with his artwork titled ‘Remembering the past, cherishing the present’.

His award was presented at the RSL and Schools Remember ANZAC Commemoration service by the NSW Governor, Her Excellency Margaret Beazley.

Principal Chris Johnson said the award was a highlight for “an amazing young artist” from a family that was very proud of the Anzac tradition.

“When he was alive, my grandfather and all the veterans would march down George St [Sydney] through the cheering crowd,” William said.

“After my grandfather passed away, the Anzac tradition and spirit passed over to me and my twin brother. Every year we attend our local RSL memorial service, and we wear all his medals and a poppy pinned to our clothes in his honour and to commemorate him.”

William’s mum, Qi McMartin, said her father-in-law, Walter Ernest McMartin, passed away in 2019. His grandsons, William and Edward, both have Walter as their middle names.

“My father-in-law would be so proud of his grandsons. We gave the boys names to remember their grandfather, to be good gentlemen,” she said.

Mr Johnson said Abbotsford Public School students would join the Five Dock RSL Anzac Day service and march with teachers.

The RSL and Schools Remember ANZAC Art Competition started in 2023 to mark the 70th anniversary of the annual RSL and Schools Remember ANZAC Commemoration service in Sydney’s Hyde Park.

The 2025 public school winners and finalists are:

Primary school division

• William McMartin, Year 4, Abbotsford Public School
• Zaine Thomas, Year 5 Shellharbour Public School (Highly commended)
• Joy Kim, Year 6 Warnervale Public School

Secondary School Division

• Cassiel Yun, Year 10 Year 10, Sydney Boys High School
• Abeer Dubey, Year 10 Arthur Phillip High School
• Elle Vo, Year 10Campbelltown Performing Arts High School