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. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts

The 2021 Premiers' Anzac Spirit School Prize is happening now!

Image
  The 2021 Premiers' Anzac Spirit School Prize is happening now! Although this blog is all about the study tour for the 2020 awardees, the 2021 Premiers' Anzac Spirit School Prize is currently being undertaken in South Australian schools. As 2020 awardees, we would love you to encourage students in your schools to enter the 2021 competition for the prize. At this stage, the 2021 awardees and selected teachers will be also be travelling to Darwin and the Top End - probably in October 2021. Here is the information on the 2021  Premiers' Anzac Spirit School Prize - similar but slightly different this year in regards to the task set. The 2021 Premiers' Anzac Spirit School Prize was launched on 11 November, Remembrance Day 2020. The theme for this year is the multicultural soldier and the poster above profiles soldiers with  Irish and Indian backgrounds (Hindu and Muslim). The Soldiers in World War 1 came from all backgrounds and this year we encourage students to seek out t
Read more

The moments of quiet reflection

Image
  The moments of quiet reflection B y Bec Learey In a trip so full of joyful excitement and non-stop adventure it is hard to narrow down one pivotal moment that stands out. The spear throwing, pool swimming, crocodile feeding, rock climbing escapades were intermixed with journeys of discovery and a deeper understanding of the world around us. For me, it was the moments of quiet reflection that were most noteworthy. I appreciated the deep level of respect, gratitude and a desire to know more that was shown by all of the students. To watch as the students engaged with the culture of the Larakia people was wonderful, particularly the way they took hold of the wisdom that was shared with them. Each evening, as the team gathered, they eagerly awaited their turn to share the story and life of those who died in the Bombing of Darwin. It was incredible to hear the passion with which they honoured those that had gone before them. Arriving at Adelaide River War Cemetery was the culmination of a
Read more

Some final health advice and purchases

Image
Avoid these guys! The health and welfare of the tour group is paramount. During our recent Zoom session we discussed the following document regarding individual health and welfare for the tour. There will be more specific COVID-19 advice when we are away but the document that follows has been put together to clarify what you need to do before and during the tour in regards to keeping healthy and safe. HEALTH AND WELFARE INFORMATION FOR THE PREMIER’S ANZAC SPIRIT SCHOOL PRIZE TOUR TO DARWIN IN APRIL 2022 The health and welfare information contained in this document was informed by the doctors at Globe Medical, 21 Hindmarsh Square, Adelaide. The advice contained in this document falls into three categories: non-negotiable requirements decisions to be made by the family precautions expected to be taken by the individual in preparation for the tour and on the tour. 1.     Non-negotiable requirements COVID vaccination required and evidence has been provided prior to travel. Up to date v
Read more