The vigil started with a prayer by two young deacons of the Assyrian Church of the East, Oliver Darwash and Ninos Elya.

Some young people had placed candles in the shape of a cross below the memorial in time for the prayer, which was followed by a one-minute silence. Candles were then lit in memory of those who perished during the Assyrian genocides.

Dozens of Assyrian youth and their friends have made a pilgrimage to the now special site since it was opened two weeks ago.

Many young people in the area are saying the memorial has uncovered a part of history many of them had not known until now and that Assyrian and Australian youth can come together because of the sacrifices they made for each other during both world wars.

Said Marvin Shimshon, 17: ``I come from a generation which doesn't know much about our past and this memorial shows us youth are born and grow up in Australia and our country's contributions during the world wars and also the sacrifices made by Australians.''

Assyrian Church of the East Youth Association spokesman Ashur Khoshaba said the memorial plaque had cemented the bond between the Assyrians and Australians and that it would always serve as a reminder to our youth.

There have been calls by youth to hold an annual Assyrian Levies/Anzac candlelight vigil in the week of Remembrance Day at the site.