What is important is who we are remembering, not the emphasis on forgetting.

 

The trip challenged me to get out of my comfort zone and to have a go at new things.

By Erika Watson

 

On the 25 of April 2021, an amazing trip in the top end of Australia had come to an end. It had been a great experience meeting new people and learning about the history that unfolded on Australian turf. Events and opportunities such as learning about the Darwin Bombings, Larrikia culture and seeing some of the most beautiful waterfalls made the trip an unforgettable one.

On Anzac Day, the Premiers Anzac Spirit group attended the Dawn Service which was an amazing experience. The day before, we had ventured to the Darwin Esplanade to mark 100 years of the Cenotaph which was followed by a gathering and reception at Parliament House. Anzac Day was held along the Esplanade which provided a view out to a part of history that for many decades has not been told. At the Anzac Day commemoration there were people from the Navy, Air Force and Army and many others that had served in war.

Prior to Anzac Day, the group was fortunate enough to meet the Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia, General David Hurley, who was a special guest for the centenary commemoration. His speech tied in with one of the messages of our trip and what Bob had encouraged us to consider when commemorating. That is, we should “reflect on the collective impact of those individuals, the Anzac legacy and what it means to us today,” General Hurley in his speech at the Anzac Dawn Service said: “What is important is who we are remembering, not the emphasis on forgetting.”

At 9:00am on Anzac Day, the Premiers group walked down to Mitchell Street to see a parade of all the military men and women. The parade was unlike anything that I had seen before! There were tanks, cars, planes and helicopters from past and present wars, accompanied by the Defence Forces marching, representing the Army, Navy and Air Force.  

On Anzac Day night the group was fortunate enough to attend a special Anzac Day Dinner organised for the Premier's Anzac Spirit School Prize group and invited guests. It was attended by the Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize students and staff from Tasmania, Mr Paul Arnold, Deputy Lord Mayor of Darwin, veterans and historians. The trip challenged me to get out of my comfort zone and to have a go at new things. For example, at the dinner I was able to speak publicly about Hurtle Clifford Bald who I had researched prior to the trip and was killed in the Darwin Bombings.

I would just like to thank Malcolm, Maddie, Bec and Bob for making the trip possible. The trip has been the best experience I have ever had and also being able to spend it with the best bunch of people I know.