John Phoenix, Hank Kreemers, Janice McCarthy and John Blackwell recounted stories about their experiences during the Vietnam War to Seymour College students.
Photo by
Billie Davern
Ahead of Vietnam Veterans’ Day, local students heard the stories of war that can’t be found within books or Google searches.
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In a meeting with Year 11 and 12 students from Seymour College, Seymour’s own Australian Defence Force veterans John Phoenix, Hank Kreemers and John Blackwell, along with veteran nurse Janice McCarthy, detailed their Vietnam War experiences — all separate but somehow shared.
Meeting at the RSL club on Friday, May 22, the vocational major students were touched by the personal accounts of war and the stories about the hostile reception the veterans received on their return to Australia.
“The main takeaway I got was the respect that we didn’t give to the soldiers when they came back, and that they definitely deserved a hell of a lot more than what we gave,” student Ella Noble said.
“I think we do take a lot of things for granted, I think our generation does, but it’s just a reminder to not take things for granted.”
The relationship between the local veterans and the school sprouted after the establishment of Seymour’s Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Walk, and it has since blossomed with the students’ commitment to keeping the local war history alive.
Last year, the students took over the local Vietnam Veterans’ Day service, a responsibility the school is set to uphold for many years to come.
While the meeting was a valuable opportunity for the students to learn about the personal side of war, it also offered a chance to brainstorm the August ceremony.
Many ideas formed on the day, including putting a focus on the contributions of women in war.
“We’re looking forward to planning our Vietnam Veterans’ Day and getting our students involved,” Seymour College Vocational Major co-ordinator Leanne Hayek said.
“I think we’re going to talk about the women this time, which is what Jan highlighted.
“That (the local veterans) are still wiling to share their stories is really important.”
A large group of Year 11 and 12 Vocational Major students attended the Seymour RSL to hear the stories of the local veterans.
Photo by
Billie Davern
Seymour College defence mentor Kelly Quigg thanked the local veterans for their willingness to speak with the students and their trust in the school to deliver the service.
“Without them, these stories aren’t going to be shared,” she said.
“We’re hearing it firsthand, too – the kids aren’t having to search online or read a book, they’re hearing it firsthand.
“They’re hearing the stories that aren’t in books.”
Mr Phoenix said he was happy to leave the service in the hands of the students.
“To me, that was the best idea I ever had: opening it up and getting the kids involved,” he said.
“We did it from day one with the walk, but it never got pushed any further. We invited the schools to help out with different things, but nothing ever eventuated.
“This time, it just blew me away, it really has. It’s been so important.”
A key message highlighted during the meeting was the significance of connection through war, and the importance of checking in on your mates.
“There are people who don’t realise what it was all about, and it’s not all about the gory stuff, it’s about mateship and communication,” Mr Kreemers said.
“In a lot of cases, you don’t even have to speak. The communication is just there.”
This sense of mateship is one that the local veterans agree endures for a lifetime.
“There are never any winners in war,” Ms McCarthy said.
“There’s just friendships, and they last for ever,” Mr Phoenix said.
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