As our wheels turn towards Long Tan, images flood my mind of high school textbooks filled with young men surrounded by mates, but not on a footy field, instead, a field filled with bloodshed. Their bodies strong and their spirit stronger, as they faced unthinkable atrocities.
The heat showed us no sympathy, nor did it for our brave soldiers. We dressed in black pants and formal t-shirts with sunglasses in hand.
Our only struggle was to hide from the sun's ferocity in the shadow of trees. This, in stark contrast to diggers weighed down by uniform, guns and fear. Hiding from the heat of the tenacious enemy.
Together our shoes disturb the earth beneath our feet. New footprints reach for old ones, in the hope of creating a stronger connection between our world and theirs.
In the lush, green plantation of Long Tan, 28 people gathered in hushed tones around the memorial cross of our fallen heroes. Returned soldier Dennis led us through a moving ceremony while taking us on an emotional journey through time. We laid our flowers at the base of the white cross and said out loud the name of our solider, as tiny glowing fireflies danced around us.
Leaving today we take with us not only the memories of this humbling and unique experience but more importantly the compassion, resilience, courage, integrity, endurance, trust, humour and mateship our diggers embodied. Wrapping these qualities up in gratitude we too can endeavour to implement these attributes in our own lives and best honour their sacrifices. We Never forget!
The locations and the stories no longer remain locked in the textbook pages.
It was a privilege to visit and will forever be a treasured experience.
Rest well
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