Awardee Reflection - Luke Graves

 

Vietnam: There’s a Soldier who Still Marches

 

Deep in the rubber plantations of Vung Tau
There sits a clearing
It’s not big, quite small really
But it holds something special
As there’s a soldier who still marches.

His boots clash with the jungle floor
His gun, held close to his body
His head is held high, his hat tight
His guard is always up, he can’t afford to let it down
He scans the ground for openings and traps
He scans for anything that looks amiss
He scans and scans, day in, day out.

It's been like this for years.

He approaches a clearing; a road awaits him.

But something is different.

He sees a group, a group of people that remind him of something
For the first time in a long while, the soldier lets a bit of his guard down.

Precariously, he follows the group as they walk down a narrow pathway
Some hold flowers, others are just silent.

They approach a statue that sits on a marble platform.

The soldier now sits against a rubber tree
He quietly observes the group.

A man, Dennis, gets up to speak as poppies are handed out.

The words he delivers are moving and beautiful, and even brings some to tears.

As the soldier looks on, he slowly lowers his guard a little bit more.

The bugle sounds out, playing a tune all too familiar to the soldier
As Dennis falls silent, and the last post closes, not a sound can be heard
The Soldier rests his weary head
He can still hear his mates carrying on and laughing, its as bright as day
He remembers their faces, full of life, full of happiness, full of hope
There are many sounds of negativity associated with war
Gunshots, artillery, screaming, yelling, explosions, the list goes on
But for a minute, the Soldier only thinks about his mates
A bright, shining star, in a sea of darkness and despair.

Reveille plays
The Soldier rises
It’s time for him to go home.

He leaves his gun at the tree
He doesn’t need it any more
He leaves his hat at the tree
He doesn’t need it any more.

For the first time in years, the Soldier is relaxed
For the first time in years, the Soldier hears the chirping of birds
For the first time in years, the soldier can finally hear his thoughts.

“I need to go home”.

He steps out from the tree, and into the sun
The one thing that never changes
It will always shine, no matter where you are.

He embraces its warmth.

It’s been a long time since he was home.

A long time since a mother has had someone to hug
A long time since a father has had someone to help him out with a job or two
A long time since a brother or sister has had someone to just talk to.

It’s really been a long time.

The soldier relaxes, as the group lays their poppies against the memorial
He feels like a great weight has been lifted off his shoulders
He feels as if he could fly.

Fly home.

Gratitude was one of the main themes I took away from Vietnam. After travelling to such a different country, I realised that I, and I’m sure others, were more grateful for what they had in life. I felt the most grateful however during the two Anzac memorial ceremonies that were held in Vung Tau and Hanoi by our RSL veteran, Dennis. Never have I been so moved before in my life, and I’m sure the same could be said for others on the trip.

I also felt grateful when hearing the stories everyone told about the Anzac they researched before coming on the trip. The hardships they all went through and what they experienced. I truly felt grateful for what the Anzac’s put themselves through. I also felt grateful to live in a country free from such a war, where I can feel safe and protected.

Dennis, the ceremonies you held, the stories you told, were moving and beautiful. I am grateful for the experiences you provided to us on this trip, and the wealth of knowledge that you shared with us.

Adam, Lara, Tracey, Bex, and Aaron, I am grateful for the organization, and guidance you provided us with while on the trip. We’d be aimless without you.

Martin, Tony, I am grateful for inviting us into your country and culture, taking the time to explain to us the rich and intriguing history that Vietnam had to offer.

Max, Alby, Arden, Stephen, Owen, Rhys, Emma, Ella, Tori, Miriam, Megan, Matilda, Maria, Mehar, Zali, Gaby, Lilah, Isabella, and Zoe. I am grateful for your company, and being able to traverse, and explore Vietnam with you all. I really wouldn’t want any other group.