Anzac Day Speech at the Yandina Anzac Day Service 2006

by 2005 Tour Nambour Student Catherine Jones

The Quiet Lion Tour was a life changing experience. Learning first hand knowledge from the four brave heroic POW’s Owen, Bill, Neil and Ernie will forever stay with me. Walking the Burma Railway, while they share their stories makes you realise what they have truly sacrifice.

From day to day these men faced lack of food, working from dust to dawn, watching their friends die from disease that can be easily cured and many horrible things you couldn’t even dream of. These men opened my eyes and have inspired. They have taught me to appreciate the little things in life and made me, like all of you standing here today proud to be an Australian

The fantastic experience didn’t end with the four POW’s, everyday we meet new friends, learnt more about the Thailand culture, and when trouble occurred it was quickly mended with the team working together. Everyone who went on the tour showed great respect for one another and help when it was needed. When others fell behind Bill Haskell stop and said “we didn’t leave anyone behind all those years ago and we will not be doing it now”

Out off the many things that made me so proud of these men, was their forgiveness of Japanese and after all they have been through they still showed great Aussie sprit. The most unforgettable day and moment was the dawn service on ANZAC Day. Been able to share it with four POW’s was remarkable, it was when true emotion showed and how the impact of tour affected people for the better.

It almost brought tears to my eyes, when the afternoon service was over and the whole ground was covered in litter. This was a place where heroes lay to rest. However as others left, it was the Queensland group that stayed behind with out been asked and cleaned up until not a bit of litter was in sight. This made me proud of my group and showed me that the tour had a great impact on them as well.

The tour wouldn’t have been the same without any of the people. Of course without Leonie and Shawn Marr this journey wouldn’t have been open to Queensland students, so thank for all that you have done.

So as I stand here today sharing how the tour has affected me, I remember what I have learnt, what I have seen and what I have heard. I know without any of these brave men, who went to war, I wouldn’t be where I’m standing today. So thank you to you brave soldiers I’m truly grateful.