More than a decade ago, as I embarked on my journey in journalism, I was granted the privilege of encountering the living remnants of a bygone era – World War II veterans. Their tales were whispered reminders that we must seize fleeting moments, for the faces that hold such stories won't grace our presence forever. These words, once fleeting themselves, now reverberate with an urgency I never fully understood until today.
Time marches on, and as it does, the ranks of those who bore witness to history's most trying moments thin. The veterans of World War II, those brave souls who endured the unimaginable on the battlefield, many now linger in our memories. It's a poignant realisation – the stark truth that the lessons of their lived experiences, their untold horrors and steadfast courage, are a dwindling treasure trove.
Last week, I stood at the Vietnam Veterans Vigil, a gathering of remembrance for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for Australia and Mackay. It reignited the resolve to ensure that the stories of these men and women, who have shouldered the weight of our shared history, will never fade into oblivion. The Vietnam conflict was unique in its uncensored portrayal through television, which meant for the returning soldiers, their ordeal continued as they navigated the tumultuous waters of violent protests and societal backlash.
For many, the scars were more than skin deep; the mental toll an unspoken burden carried silently. Conscription led countless brave individuals to the battlefield, where they shouldered the weight of duty, camaraderie, and, for some, the ultimate sacrifice. To think that for some, the nation they served could turn its back is a bitter irony that history must confront.
As 50 years have passed since Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War, a new opportunity arises for these heroes to shed the shackles of silence. Their stories, the ones they once held within, have the power to shape the future. I hope they can now trust us to listen to and share their stories.
Amanda
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