I guess you never realise the true beauty of the present until it has passed


Connection by William Sims

I chose to write about this photo as I felt a great connection to it. This photo shows a plaque commemorating Merchant Navy service people and the sacrifice they made. This photo is really special to me as the person I researched after being awarded the prize, Master William Michie, is listed on this plaque. At first when we were told we needed to research a person that lost their life during the Bombing of Darwin, I had no idea who I was going to write about. I ended up choosing a William as it was only fitting, as I am a William and the original entry, I wrote was on William Charles Kenwrick, my great-grandfather. I soon became really connected to William Michie and his story and felt a part of his story. Seeing his name at the Adelaide River War Cemetery was surreal. I stood at this plaque and read the story I had written on William Michie aloud, multiple times feeling like I had not quite read it right. I then placed a poppy on the headstone and thought about what it would have been like if I was in Master Michie’s shoes. After this Peter conducted a moving service, one I found quite emotional. I feel very privileged to have experienced these special experiences on the Darwin trip. This was one of the best moments I experienced, being able to tell the stories of those who are gone, but trying to make sure they are not forgotten.

I have chosen to write about two photos as I feel one, does not do the trip justice.


This photo was also special to me as it shows the friendships and connections made on the trip. What was once a group of 20 complete strangers, standing in Adelaide airport, wondering what we had gotten ourselves into, by the end of the trip became a group of 20 young adults having banter over a game of UNO. This photo captures a beautiful view (not of you Aston) of Darwin Harbour with the sun setting in the background. At the time that this photo was taken, I didn’t quite realise how close we would all come. Thank you to all of the participants of this trip for making great memories and true friendships that I will remember for all of my life.  As a great man once said, I guess you never realise the true beauty of the present until it has passed. 

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