Awardee Reflection, Arden Kranz.

 A baby is expected. A trip is expected. News is expected. Forgetfulness is expected. An invitation is expected… But memories are not expected. They just come.

Giannina Braschi

In regards to the ANZAC Spirit prize, I believe there is nothing I can truly say to encompass the entirety of this experience. The feelings and gratitude I have felt are something that I simply cannot put into words. 

This experience has opened my eyes to the brutality and destruction of war, the countless lives lost, lives as bright and vibrant as mine, lives lost too soon. I look at all of the names on memorials and I see countless sons, daughters, fathers, brothers, cousins, sisters, and friends who died, I imagine the grief of their mothers, fathers and anyone who cared about them because I know mine is immense. 

But from the merciless seed of war, may hope blossom, the hope I have now, that an event like the Vietnam War will not occur to any country, the hope we can learn from history, the hope for a bright future void of war, the hope that life will flourish and continue to flourish until it can no longer. The service at Long Tan was an experience like no other, you could almost see the ANZAC soldiers of D company waiting there for 3 hours. 3 long hours. Hours of being fired at, hours braving the storm of bullets from the Viet Cong. It is in times like this that I am most grateful to those who have served my country, so I can live a good life, a pure life, an educated life and a life void of war. 

Now that the trip is over I have had a lot of time to reflect on the great places and people I have been able to spend 14 incredible days getting to know. I look upon my memories I have made in Vietnam with a certain fondness that many things don’t fall under, these 14 days have made me appreciate every single person, including those on this trip, and I would like to express my gratitude to Aaron, Adam, Lara, Rebecca, Dennis and Tracey for making one of the most memorable trips of my life possible. I would like to thank Dennis in more depth for his insights, of which I cannot find the descriptive word to express my gratitude for, said insights, all of which bring life and depth to these stories and bring knowledge and heart into every situation, I would also like to thank Dennis for his service at Long Tan, a service that moved me and explained to me what it means to pay respect to ANZAC soldiers.  

To my fellow Awardees if you happen to be reading this, I would like to express my gratitude towards Stephen, Lilah, Gabrielle, Emma, Mehar,
Miriam, Zali, Rhys, Tori, Alby, Max, Isabella, Megan, Luke, Zoe, Ella, Owen, Matilda and Maria, I cannot put into words what all of you guys mean to me as an individual, you have helped me grow and in turn helped me become who I am today. I believe I am a better person from the kindness you have expressed to me and each other. I genuinely wish the best for you and your families which I believe also possess the same amount of kindness if not more than what I've seen throughout this trip. I appreciate you all with all of the fondness I have, and I truly believe that in time every one of you will accomplish and fulfil your dreams, Whether it be a famous actor, a politician, a doctor, a historian, a farmer or anything in between.

Despite how I feel, like many other things in a human's life, the tour in Vietnam is over. And with this final message, this part of my life will have ended in its entirety. It is times like these that I find life the most beautiful yet confusing, how it keeps moving but I as an individual may stand still, reminiscing in the past, whilst the present passes me by. I find myself stuck in memories for brief periods, but as time marches on so do I. For my memories are not who I am, they are what make me who I am. And as the sun rises so do I, I rise to a hopeful future, I rise to a peaceful future and I rise to a future void of hate, bigotry and war. That day may not be today but I am hopeful that with the care and kindness I have seen on this trip, one day, I may rise to a world in which peace is inalienable. 

Despite everything, the sun will still set on the seas of Ha Long Bay and the busy streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City it will still set in the heart of Adelaide, it will still set in the trenches of France and Germany and it will still set in the rainforests of South America and the Sahara Desert. As this world marches on I will still have the memories I have made, I look back upon them, the times I have laughed, the times I learned, and the times I was speechless. I look back on every memory of this trip and I smile, and the memories smile back at me.

Awardee Reflection - Tori Lockwood

 

Farewell, my friends, we've had our fun,

Our trip together, now it's done.

We've laughed and loved, we've danced and played,

These memories, forever made.

 

We explored new lands, and seas so blue,

And tasted flavors, both old and new.

We've seen the sights, we've lived the dream,

Our journey's end, a bittersweet scheme.

 

My new family you've all become,

These bonds we've shared can't be undone

We've lived a life, we've lived a dream,

We've had our fun as one big team.

 

The sun sets on our journey's end,

And as we part, our hearts will blend.

Into the memories we've made, so dear,

And though we'll be far, our bonds will keep us near.

 

So let us cherish every moment we shared,

And hold them close, in our hearts unsaid.

For though we part, our friendship will last,

But these bonds will not be left in the past.

Awardee Reflection - Zali Kerley

 

Gratitude

Day 5 (19/4/24) … A day to remember!

We woke up bright and early to board the bus by 8am for what I found to be one of the most moving and memorable days of the trip

Today, we established the theme of the day to be gratitude. There were a few ill bodies due to the busy previous few days and the new cuisine, but we all kept a positive mindset and continued to embrace every moment of the trip.

Our first stop of the day was the orphanage, where our theme of the day was enlightened. Upon arrival the owner/coordinator of the orphanage for the last 20 years greeted us. Everybody placed their gifts on the table, which quickly became covered in pencils, chalk, puzzles, teddies, and footballs. Others presented the owner with their money donations. We took some footballs and gifts to give directly to the kids. Their smiles and giggles surrounded us as they learnt to kick the football and played with their new teddys. Seeing how grateful the children were to just have a football made me realise how lucky I am to have the resources I do to learn and play the sports that I love.

Next, we went upstairs to see the babies. In a humid room, cooled only by 2 small fans, laid the babies in their metal cots. The older boys across the corridor sat on their thin mats and metal beds, unaware of what was going on as some of them were blind and deaf and suffered from other disabilities. Due to their disabilities, those boys never got the opportunity to attend school nor get an education, which made me particularly more grateful for the education I receive.

We said goodbye to the kids and headed off to the old folks’ home, making a stop to collect milk as a donation. The residents’ fragile bodies slept on metal beds in hot, humid rooms with only a small fan to cool them, but they still had a resilient smile on their faces. It filled me with happiness to see them smile as they held our hands and looked into our eyes.

The last stop before our long bus ride to Ho Chi Minh was Long Tan. We walked silently down the footpath, taking in the unique sounds, smells and sights surrounding as we approached the white cross. The rubber plantation caught my eye. I find it hard to comprehend there were battles fought in rubber plantations. You can see hundreds of metres through the rubber trees and there is nowhere to hide. We gathered in front of the cross as Dennis lead us through a moving service. We had the chance to lay a poppy and a flower at the base of the white cross. We said the name of our soldier out loud to remember and commemorate the sacrifice each of them made for our country. We were all extremely grateful to have Dennis on the trip to share his wealth of knowledge and experiences.

As our theme of the day was gratitude, I took the time during the bus trip to reflect on what I am grateful for. After my experiences that day there were so many things, I became more grateful for. I am grateful for my home, where I have access to a comfortable bed, air-conditioning, a washing machine, and dryer. I am grateful to feel safe enough in my hometown to walk down the street to get snacks from the local supermarket. I am grateful to have access to an endless supply of fresh and safe water to drink.

Finally, but certainly not least, I am grateful to get education. An education, and teacher support so great to lead me to an experience of a lifetime. An experience where I was surrounded by people with the same passion of history, and that history surrounding us all. I am grateful for the amazing peers I had on the trip. I now have many talented and unique friends for a lifetime. I am grateful for the staff on the trip. Aaron clearly did an amazing job of planning before and during the trip for it to be as successful as it was. Lara, Bex and Tracey always gave us a laugh, whether it was because they were cracking a joke or just because of their contagious giggles. Adams, Dennis, and Aaron made us all feel safe and I loved the chats I had with each of them. I always felt safe to approach each of you if I had an issue or just wanted a chat.

I can’t wait to see everyone soon!!

 

Awardee reflection - Miriam Lockwood

Our trip to Vietnam was the fastest two weeks of my life! In those two weeks, I learnt, experienced, and pushed myself more than I have ever in my life.

I met some of my best friends who, by the end, were my family.

From Ho-chi Ming city to Ha Long Bay, behind every corner and along every market, new memories and experiences were waiting to be discovered. 

I went to Vietnam expecting to learn some stuff, make some friends, and have a good time, but little did I know how low my expectations were compared to the amazing experiences that awaited me in Vietnam.

I will be forever grateful for Aaron, Tracey, Adam and the team of organisers, which made the trip possible. For Bex and Lara, who inspired our love of learning and curiosity.  For Dennis who was always ready to answer our big questions about war. And of course Martin who led us through his beautiful country and taught us how to fully embrace his culture as much a possible. 
I am also very grateful for all my wonderful peers, the 19 of you all made the trip so much better and taught me so much. By the end of the trip you all felt like siblings to me. When we first arrived at the Adelaide airport and stood in that circle with our parents I would have never imagined how close we would all be by the end of the trip!

Awardee reflection - Mehar Bains

Love in the face of fear and violence

It’s difficult to pinpoint an exact ‘favourite moment’ in the trip to Vietnam. Still, one of the most remarkable memories and sentiments I have of this wonderful country is about the resilience of the people to come back from violence, hate, and war; instead choosing compassion and peace.

This was particularly true when we visited the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, showcasing the cruel and devastating timeline and impact of the Vietnam War on the country and its people. As I walked in, the first sections of the museum detailed the atrocities of the war, from children fleeing areas in Vietnam to Agent Orange being used as a mass weapon. The images were confronting and emotionally moving to see, and there were more than a few times when I had to recompose myself before continuing.

Near the end of the museum was a section focusing on the Agent Orange attacks, and the lives of those affected with disabilities due to the gas. I was fighting off tears as I felt the fear and violence witnessed by and impacting millions of innocent lives in the war, but the end of the section is what still sticks with me now; the end featured rows of photographs and comments about the remarkable feats achieved by those with disabilities due to Agent Orange, and the compassion modelled by nurses, teachers, and the population of Vietnam in caring for children and adults that the Vietnam War had mentally or physically changed.

Vietnam is a country that has been torn apart by war, violence, and division over centuries, but in visiting this museum and in the interactions I had with all the locals, I sensed a stronger emotion; love. Love for us tourists, love for each other, and love for their country, despite the harrowing past. They have every reason to be spiteful, but choose kindness over hate, and that has made all the difference. When I think about my own life, the pain I’ve had feels minuscule compared to the atrocities witnessed by people such as my researched soldier, Aldy Aldenhoven, encouraging me to choose peace in times of conflict and love in every interaction I have. I do this because those in Vietnam and abroad - civilians and soldiers, alive or deceased, carrying a past of division and violence on their shoulders - have endured the hardest of circumstances with smiles and compassion. 

In understanding the history of the Vietnam War and honouring the lives lost, I choose to be kind.

I would like to extend my gratitude to the other awardees, Aaron, Tracey, Adam, Bex, Lara, and Dennis for facilitating this life-changing trip and providing life-long memories that won’t be soon forgotten.

A special ANZAC day in Vietnam by Miriam Lockwood

Yesterday afternoon we were led  by Dennis, our RSL representative, in what was the most beautiful and moving ANZAC day service I have attended in my life. We wore badges with the names of or researched Vietnam ANZAC's and had about 5 minutes of closed eyes as we listened and reflected on the song 'I was only 19'. 

As this song was playing poppies were scattered on the ground and an Australian flag with medals was displayed on the table. 

After the song we heard the ANZAC requiem, read by Alby, and a poem, written and read by Megan. Dennis then gave a moving speech about Gallipoli and how young so many of the ANZAC'S were. 

After the service we all reflected on the trip and hugged and cried as we reminisced on the time we had shared and how much we have grown over the last two weeks, not only as friends, but as individuals. 

On this trip I have met my second family and have built relationships and memories that I will truly treasure forever.

Our Journey to Lang Vay 23/4/2024, by Maria LaMontagna

This morning was an early start to the day, as a we had a jam packed day of sightseeing! 

We hopped on the bus and began our journey up north to the town of Lang Vay where we had our first stop of the day at Rock Pile mountain. Martin informed us, that the peak of the mountain was used as a US army base, and helicopters were utilised to supply aid and resources to the soldier at the time of the conflict. 

Not long after viewing the breathtaking mountain, we had a quick drive down where we reached the American airbase Ta Con airbase. Upon arrival we were met by the US GI aircraft’s which were used at the time of the Vietnam conflict. The base was equipped with a 3km runway, as part of the experience of sightseeing, we were fortunate enough to visit one part of the runway, where a US aircraft carrier was stationed. In total 197 aircraft were shot down and 11,200 people were captured during this time, surrounding the airbase. 

Whilst driving to our next destination, we were able to appreciate the wonderful sights of the North Vietnams greenery and breathtaking hillside views. Prior to lunch we stopped off at the Dakrong Bridge, which was the beginning point of the Ho Chi Minh trails. 

For lunch today we were welcomed into a restaurant where we were able to extend our taste palettes and indulge in a variety of unique foods. One of the most captivating foods were the Frog Legs. Our tour guide manger Martin informed us that the Frog would taste like chicken, and after a few nibbles Martin was correct. There were a variety of other unique dishes which many tried. 

After the conclusion of lunch, we were back on the bus for a quick 15 minute drive to the DMZ border, between North and South Vietnam. Additionally, we were able to see the Hien Luong Bridge, which visualises a white line between the borders. In 2001 the bridge was reconstructed due to bombings in 1967. Upon reconstruction it was built as a replica for tourism.

Shortly after visiting the DMZ border we were back on to the bus, to our final destination, the Vinh Moc tunnels. Once at the tunnels we were met with our local guide Ms Phuong, who has been working at the tunnel site for 17 years. Ms Phuong mentioned that in comparison to the Cu Chi tunnels these were used as permanent bomb shelters. There were over 95000 bomb shelters, within the village. Everything within the village was destroyed, however, the locals stayed in order to keep their land. The locals began building the Vinh Moc tunnels in April of 1965 and finished in June 1967. This was the most interesting part of the day as we had the opportunity to explore the underground tunnels, walking 600 metres underground from one end to another end of the tunnels. Upon our exit from the tunnels we were greeted to the captivating sights of Cua Tung beach, which some of us to the opportunity to capture images of its natural beauty. 

After a long day we were lucky enough to have a sit down meal together at a local restaurant, filled with lots of laughter and friendly conversations. Tonight’s menu included some unique artistic touches, with a variety of foods being used to create a spring rolls decorated as a peacock, chopped pork decorated as a phoenix, and finally for dessert Mung bean cake as individual tiny fruits. 

Today was a great day spent with laughter and happiness, whilst remembering our daily characteristic of respect. Just this day alone created so many memories that will last a lifetime and continue to be remembered even after the tour finishes.