Little did I know that the photographs, letters and stories I compiled about my Great Great Aunt Helen would lead to a passport stamp from the heart-stirring landscapes of Vietnam. Merely a month ago I embarked on my journey of the heart, a journey that undoubtedly transformed my life forever. Participating in the 2-week study tour was an unforgettable experience, shared alongside 19 other passionate students, dedicated teachers, and the remarkable presence of Dennis—an Australian veteran and RSL representative.
Amidst the 6-hour
bus rides, where uncomfortable
naps and charades distracted from the scorching heat, I developed life-long
friendships with the people around me. Each day we learnt from one another, as
I noticed the profound compassion, intelligence, selflessness and courage in my
peers. I felt challenged to be the best version of myself and it allowed me to
fully embrace the beautiful but harrowing stories that surrounded us.
A key memory for
me would be our nightly ritual, an emotional journey where students and staff
alike were entrusted to unearth the stories of forgotten South Australian
servicemen who made the ultimate sacrifice on the very soil we tread. It was
more than a routine; it was a profound journey of remembrance, where we
breathed life into their narratives through the art of storytelling.
Among them stood
Peter Allan Chant, a vibrant and selfless soldier who once graced the field as
an SANFL player. It was equally eye-opening and unsettling to realise that 55
years after his footsteps echoed on foreign soil, I found myself treading the
same path as a man I had never met. Yet, it was because of this man that I have
the privilege of living in the world that I do.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to the people I can proudly call my best friends; I will forever cherish the memories we shared. Thank you, Aaron, for your dedication and care for us, I am incredibly grateful for all the time you spent organising the trip both in Adelaide and Vietnam. Thank you to Lara, Tracey, Rebecca and Adam for your kindness and enthusiasm, fostering our learning journey. Finally, thank you to Dennis for being a beacon of knowledge for us all. I will always remember the Long Tan and ANZAC Day services you held.
So, until
next time… Cảm ơn and Tạm biệt!
Amazing
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