A SPEECH BY STUDENT Erin St Duke

Memorial Adoption Ceremony 12/6/98

This memorial is an icon of bravery, courage, survival and the existence of humanity. We are here to commemorate our fellow Australian citizens who unselfishly and proudly stood up for their country, and in doing so bequeathed it to all future generations.

My name is Erin St Duke, and I am privileged to be here to honour the memory and legacy of the struggle of all POWs. I can say this, because I have seen it. In April, Katherine and I were the lucky participants, who were chosen to go overseas in the Quiet Lion Tour. Our destination was Thailand and the Death Railway. In ten days, my life changed. I understood what it was to be alive, what it was to be human and how intangible, yet precious life is.

Our tour started in Bangkok. We travelled, visiting points along the entire Thailand length of the railway. BanPong was our first stop. This was where the POWs were delivered by the Japanese to begin building the 415 km railway. We travelled from here along to different sites, The Bridge Over The River Kwai, Kanchanaburi, Chungkai, Wampo, Hintock, and the Three Pagoda Pass On the Myanmar border.

Our tour culminated and came to fruition at Hellfire Pass. This was the infamous Konyu Cutting area. Kate and I walked the very railway on which untold human misery came to pass. A life for every sleeper.

Stumbling along like mountain goats on the original stone, walking through cuttings, over embankments and being led by veterans who had worked the section was a moving experience. I can never understand what it was to be there, but I know as much as any person can. Because I saw. I saw where it was and through the veterans accompanying us, I saw the reality of it. Who it happened to, and most importantly what happened.

This history, this legacy, I will always carry. My experience in those 10 days was profound. I hold precious the memories, and dear to me the people, both with whom I shared this time and those who shared it with us. To be in the presence of those who survived, to be in the place where they fought so hard for simple life. I spent ten days learning about being a human being, witnessing my birthright, endurance and spirit.

To all Ex Prisoners of war Thank You, To the ex Prisoners of War Association, I would especially like to give thanks. To all those involved I feel heart felt gratitude. I am honoured to be here today to commemorate all the men and women who have suffered, fallen and endured in the name of war, for Australia, and to tell my story and in future I will always tell of my experience. It is important to remember I was imparted with the gift of knowing, the legacy, I will always remember.

Lest we forget.