During this moment I came to understand the sacrifice

 

The opportunity to understand the remarkable sacrifices made by war service people

By Harrison Geater-Johnson

Early Sunday morning, 18 April 2021, we visited the Darwin Aviation Museum. The museum was home to a range of aircraft, including renowned bombers, jets, and helicopters. Whilst walking around the museum I was amazed by the various aircraft, the stories and displays. One of the displays I found interesting was of Hajime Toyoshima’s crashed plane and his story.

Toyoshima was a Japanese zero pilot. Toyoshima’s aircraft would be damaged by anti-aircraft fire during the Darwin bombing, resulting in Toyoshima to land on Melville Island. Toyoshima’s aircraft would be damaged further during the landing, breaking the propeller, and dislodging the engine. Toyoshima was later captured and disarmed by local Tiwi Islanders.

Another display that amazed me was a wall full of Australian veteran memorials who had served in Vietnam. During this moment I came to understand the sacrifice those Australian soldiers had made. Whilst taking it all in, Bob told me stories of his mates, people he knew from the wall and how they died. Bob also told me how there are things worse than death, telling me a story about his mate; a young lad who lost half his body to a jumping mine and how he lived his life without the ability to walk or see.

The Premiers Anzac Spirit tour has provided me with the opportunity to understand the remarkable sacrifices made by war service people. I would like to thank Malcolm, Bec, Maddy and Bob for the opportunity, and my former teacher Lauren Smith for her guidance and dedication - it is all greatly appreciated.