Vietnam 2025 - by Lara Davis

 Two weeks of incredible shared experiences have created a strong and unique bond between all who have participated in the 2025 Premier’s ANZAC Spirit. School Prize. 

We have been moved by the ridiculously kind people of this country and their resilience, especially during an horrific time in history when bombs decimated communities.  A war that shattered families and slaughtered babies. Innocence bleeding from every pour. 

We have been moved by the abject poverty, juxtaposed by wealth in many parts of Vietnam. Its people have shown us the power and importance of gratitude for what we have. A quality easily overlooked in our land of plenty.

Most importantly we have been moved by the courage, bravery, mateship and resilience that our Anzacs personified during the gruesome battles fought on this land. 

 Engulfed by the ever present humidity and deafening cicada chorus at Long Tan and Nui Dat we imagined the sights and sounds of war as we peered through the rubber trees and crunched the same soil beneath our feet.

We remember and honour the sacrifices that were made here by the young men who, although no doubt were scared and angry stood up and gave so much. We see you. We remember you.

Nobody is a winner in a war. Our future generations the only beneficiaries. Learning from the mistakes of the past and embodying the spirit of our Anzacs for a better tomorrow.

Lara.