I was walking the same footsteps and path

Angelique Dellaney writes:

This captured moment is of former Vietnam Army conscript, Mr T whom accompanied us for several days during our two-week journey. At the moment the photograph is taken, we are located at Nui Dat within the Phuoc Toy Province and standing on what was known as the ‘Kanga Pad’ that was used by the Australians during the Vietnam War. Mr T was holding up a photograph of what this location looked like throughout the duration of the Vietnam War. In the background of this photo, there is a silhouette of a mountain which was known as the SAS (Special Air Service) Hill.

I found it extremely eye opening and overwhelming as Mr T was sharing stories. The emotions I experienced for the majority of the tour were very confusing. They were difficult to grasp initially but once the pieces started fitting together I was able to gain more of an understanding and insight into the war. This insight was created as Mr T began to share stories and information about the Vietnam War.

The statements and thoughts that caused the most emotion in me whilst overseas was that people risked their lives during the war, and some had paid the ultimate sacrifice 50-60 years ago, possibly exactly where I was standing. Right now! I was walking the same footsteps and path of those whom were most courageous and passionate. Anywhere we had travelled, whether it being Saigon, Vung Tau and Nui Dat, Hue, Ha Noi or even Ha Long Bay, these thoughts were always rushing through my head. Questioning and drifting thoughts of what people had experienced, seen and felt in the past was something that I was craving and needing to know more about. Although we had visited all of these amazing, picturesque locations and tourist attractions in Vietnam, I felt as if Vung Tau and Nui Dat, and even Ha Long Bay were the most reflective moments for me throughout the duration of those two weeks. 

When we all look at this photo, with our varied perspectives of the experiences we had whilst on tour, we are all going to have different emotions, thoughts and memories come back to us. This photo, and specifically the expression on Mr T’s face is powerful and evoke emotions. This is why I have selected this photo to share with you. The moment we were introduced to Mr T he instantly gave me and I’m sure many others a very positive and happy vibe. Mr T was always smiling or laughing and was constantly more than happy to share stories and answer any questions we may have had about the experiences and history of the Australians in Vung Tau and Nui Dat, I felt this was one of the most overwhelming and confronting moments of the tour. When talking, the expression on Mr T’s face changed dramatically from being happy to emotional very quickly - every time he delved into the depths of his thoughts and stories from the war. These changed facial expressions were and still are something I found very challenging to accept, and it is the power in this change of expressions that has made me choose this image. This experience will be one I guarantee that I will never forget.