Power and impact of images from the war

 The Napalm girl

The Napalm Girl, whose real name is Phan Thi Kim Phuc, became an iconic symbol of the Vietnam War's brutality. In 1972, when she was just nine years old, Kim Phuc was photographed running naked and severely burned from a napalm attack on her village, Trang Bang (image below). The powerful image captured her agony and the horrors of war, garnering worldwide attention.

Despite suffering extensive burns and enduring multiple surgeries, Kim Phuc survived and eventually moved to Canada. Over the years, she transformed from a symbol of war's devastation into an advocate for peace and forgiveness. Kim Phuc founded the Kim Foundation International, an organization dedicated to providing medical and psychological assistance to child victims of war. She also became a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, promoting peace and understanding among nations.

The iconic image, is on display at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, where we will be visiting on 16 April.

Today, Kim Phuc continues to inspire others with her resilience and commitment to healing. She travels the world, sharing her story and advocating for peace, reconciliation, and the importance of forgiveness. Her journey from a wartime victim to a global ambassador for peace exemplifies the strength of the human spirit and serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of compassion and forgiveness in overcoming adversity.

Dusted off

 Have you listened to Redgum's song, "I was only 19" yet?

The song references many of the places we will be visiting on our upcoming trip to Vietnam. Locations such as Vung Tau, Nui Dat and the Grand Hotel (where we will actually be staying).

The lyrics also features the lines "But you wouldn't let your mates down 'til they had you dusted off

So you closed your eyes and thought about somethin' else"

So, what does being "dusted off" actually mean?

Dusted off" was a term from the Vietnam War, referring to the urgent evacuation of wounded soldiers by medical helicopters.

These helicopters, often marked with a red cross, symbolized courage as they risked enemy fire to rescue the injured.

The term represented both survival and loss, embodying the commitment to never leave a fallen comrade behind.

Decades later, it remains a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made and the enduring bonds forged in wartime.

Our charity visit

 Hi everyone.

As you would have seen on our itinerary, on Friday 19 April, we will be visiting an orphanage school.

The charity that runs this is called AVVRG Foundation - Australian Vietnam Volunteer Resource Group.

The Foundation was started in 1994 by Mr Paul Murphy, an Australian Vietnam war veteran, who was concerned about the condition of the social and physical infrastructure in Vietnam as a consequence of a prolonged war and the country’s 20 year isolation from the West.

Read more about the story here.

Remembering Vietnam: The Impact of "I Was Only 19" by Redgum

 Have you ever heard of the song "I was only 19"?

"I Was Only 19" by Adelaide band Redgum, is a poignant anthem that vividly captures the experiences of Australian soldiers during the Vietnam War. Released in 1983, the song resonated deeply with a nation grappling with the aftermath of the conflict and the toll it took on its young soldiers.

The song's lyrics, narrated from the perspective of a young digger, paint a haunting picture of the physical and psychological scars left by war. From the sweltering jungles of Vietnam to the nightmares that follow, the song depicts the harsh realities faced by soldiers who were often barely more than teenagers when they were thrust into the brutality of combat.

One of the most striking aspects of "I Was Only 19" is its raw honesty. It doesn't romanticize war but instead exposes its brutal truths—the fear, the loss, and the trauma that lingers long after the guns fall silent. The line "God help me, I was only nineteen" encapsulates the sentiment of a generation of young men who were sent to war and forever changed by it.

The impact of "I Was Only 19" on Australian society cannot be overstated. It became an anthem for veterans, their families, and all those affected by the Vietnam War. The song sparked conversations about the toll of war on mental health, leading to greater awareness and support for veterans suffering from PTSD and other war-related trauma.

"I Was Only 19" contributed to a broader cultural shift in Australia, where the Vietnam War went from a divisive and often ignored chapter in history to a subject of reflection and remembrance. It encouraged a more nuanced understanding of the war's impact and the sacrifices made by those who served.

Find out more about the story of the song here.

The song was also used in the movie Danger Close, the Battle of Long Tan. Check it out here.

Remembering the Battle of Long Tan: A Significant Chapter in Australian History

The story of Long Tan

On Friday 19 April, we will be visiting the Long Tan Cross Memorial Site. 

Premier's Anzac Spirit School Prize awardees at Long Tan in 2019

The Battle of Long Tan stands as a reminder of courage, sacrifice, and resilience in the annals of Australian military history. Fought on August 18, 1966, this battle holds immense importance to the Australian people, shaping national identity and honouring the valour of those who served.

At the heart of the Battle of Long Tan was D Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR), comprising young men who found themselves in a fierce confrontation against overwhelming enemy forces. Surrounded by dense jungle in Phuoc Tuy Province, Vietnam, these Australian soldiers displayed remarkable bravery and determination in the face of adversity.

The battle unfolded as a small group of Australian soldiers encountered a much larger North Vietnamese and Viet Cong force. Despite being outnumbered and facing heavy artillery fire, D Company held their ground tenaciously. Through skilled leadership, effective teamwork, and individual acts of heroism, they withstood wave after wave of enemy attacks.

One of the defining moments of the Battle of Long Tan was the role played by artillery support from the nearby Australian base at Nui Dat (where will also be visiting). The accurate and timely fire support provided crucial relief to the besieged troops, turning the tide of the battle in favour of the Australians.

The significance of the Battle of Long Tan highlights the valour and sacrifice of Australian servicemen, many of whom were young and inexperienced but rose to the occasion with courage and determination. Their actions exemplified the Anzac spirit of mateship, loyalty, and resilience in the face of adversity.

The Official Long Tan website gives further insight into the Battle and showcases several excellent documentaries made about the battle.

Peter's Fitzsimmons book, "Battle of Long Tan", also provides a unique and thoroughly researched account of the battle. It brings to life the personal stories of the men who fought, the events leading up to that memorable battle and the long war that followed, and the political decisions made in the halls of power that sealed their fates.

Commemorating Long Tan

The Battle continues to hold a place of honour in Australia's military heritage, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served in Vietnam and acknowledging the lasting impact of war on veterans and their families. Commemorative events and memorials dedicated to Long Tan continue to draw Australians together in remembrance and reflection.

Vietnam Veterans Day is commemorated on 18 August every year. The day was originally known as Long Tan Day.  Find out more at:

Vietnam Veterans' Day 18 August - Anzac Portal (dva.gov.au)

Vietnam Veterans Day | Australian War Memorial (awm.gov.au)

Just a few words go a long way!

Have a go!

It is important that when we are inter-acting with the Vietnamese community, we can speak some of the language - just a little to show that we are trying to engage with the culture of Vietnam.  As well as the health and safety aspect of being able to communicate with those around us, it is in the spirit of the trip that you try to learn some very basic phrases such as the following:

Hello.
Chào. (jow)

Please.
Làm ơn cho tôi. (lam uhhn jaw thoye)

Thank you.
Cảm ơn. (gam uhhn)

Yes.
Vâng (affirmative). (vuhng); Dạ (affirmative, respectful) (ya'a) ; Đúng (correct) (duhn)

No.
Không. (kohng)

Goodbye.
Chào. (jow)

Do you speak English?
Biết nói tiếng Anh không? (bee-IT noh-Y thee-IHNG ayng kohng)

Help!
Cứu (tôi) với! (gih-OO (thoy) vuh-y!)

I don't understand.
Tôi không hiểu. (thoy kohng hee-oh)

Where is the toilet?
Cầu tiêu ở đâu? (goh thee-oh uh duh-oh)

Those of you on the trip with a real "feel" for languages will go even further than these basic phrases/word!  

The following two videos will also help you negotiate talking some of the Vietnamese language.  Please have a go! It's ok if you struggle with the language, but always try when in Vietnam to say a few words, such as thank you etc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ol-SxJgOSQs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deettRsJZOg

Feel free to find other on-line videos that help you to speak Vietnamese.

Some more words and pronunciations - plus reasons for learning the phrase/word

Hello – Xin chao (sin chow) and Goodbye – Tam Biet (tam byet)

This is the best introductory and a polite ending to any conversation. Not only that, when partnered with a gentle bow, this may be a way to show respect or gratitude to the locals.

My name is – Toi la (toy la)

This always come in handy when you just arrived and about to take your reserved room. And when you are meeting someone for the first time, they would be impressed that you have introduced yourself in Vietnamese language.

Thank you – Xin Cam on (sin gahm un)

If there is one word you should always remember when you are in Vietnam, it is how to say ‘thank you’. When you are using the Vietnamese language when thanking someone from the local, it more felt and appreciated.

Yes – Vang (vung) and No – Khong (khome)

There may also be instances when a local understands a bit of English language but find it difficult to speak. Thus, when you ask something and they say one of these words, you now know the answer to your question.

Excuse me/Sorry – Xin loi (sin loy)

This is very useful when you want to catch someone’s attention or have done something wrong and would want to apologize. Either way, just like ‘Aloha’ in Hawaii, make sure that you use the word in a correct manner.

Can you help me? – Ban giup toi duoc khong? (ban zoop thoy duc khom)

This is the golden word for many of the travellers who’s lost in a foreign land. Make sure that before you even land in the airport of Vietnam, you have memorized that phrase. This phrase never failed to be a life saver for any tourist in Vietnam.

Good – Tot (thote) and Bad – Khong tot (khome thote)

What better else to know if you have done something wrong than asking them yourself. This is also useful when you are uncertain on what to do and asks an assistance from a local.

How much? – Bao nhieu (bow nyew)

Vietnam is not only rich in majestic scenery but it also home of colorful fabrics and various handicrafts which is always a good souvenir.

Hotel – Khack San (khack san)

When you are having difficulty to find your hotel, just say this magic word along with the name of the hotel to the taxi cab driver and you’ll be on your way.

Australia's Vietnam War

 

Hi all.

This website is certainly well worth a look at in our lead up to Vietnam, in particular the Battle Map.

The Australia’s Vietnam War website was created by the Military Operations Analysis Team (MOAT) at the University of New South Wales (Canberra).

It provides a unique way of exploring the Vietnam War in great detail, through the use of an interactive Battle Map.

The aim of the website is to enrich the history of the Vietnam War for future generations.