Earlier this year, Scarlett S was one of just 20 young people statewide to be awarded a NSW Government Anzac Memorial Scholarship to participate in an international history tour to the Republic of Korea and Singapore.
Recently, Scarlett completed this epic 12 day study trip to Korea and Singapore.
Scarlett's reflection on her trip is below:
"Climbing Hill 504 in South Korea, where the Battle of Kapyong occurred 74 years ago, was definitely the highlight of the tour for me. The hike involved over 400 metres of elevation, making it one of the most physically demanding challenges I’ve ever faced. Experiencing that struggle firsthand helped me truly empathise with the Australian veterans who fought there all those years ago.
Unlike us, the Australian soldiers had to endure those climbs in the harshest of conditions, with snow covering the surface, while being dehydrated, malnourished, and sleep-deprived, all carrying an extra 30 to 40 kilograms of uniform and equipment.
Knowing this, made the hike deeply meaningful, and left me feeling incredibly grateful for their service. When we finally reached the summit, I initially thought there was more to go, so when the rest of the group caught up and announced that we were done, the elation we all felt was overwhelming.
It was a powerful bonding experience that truly brought our group of 20 scholars from across New South Wales, closer together. When we got back to the bottom of the hill, I had the incredible opportunity to share my personal presentation on Raymond Norman Parry, a Western Australian serviceman who had fought at this very spot. Presenting my speech after doing the walk and knowing on a deeper level what Ray would have endured, made it all the more special.
Other highlights of the study tour included at trip to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) and also hearing from a 95 year old Korean veteran who spoke to us at the Korean War Memorial, sharing his heartfelt gratitude to our “grandfathers” who he fought alongside.
In Singapore, we travelled by cable car to Fort Siloso where we learnt about the British surrender in 1942 during the Second World War. We embarked on a powerful journey of remembrance at the Kranji War Memorial. During a moving commemoration ceremony, I was honoured to recite a poem I wrote about the sorrow and strength of those who served."
Scarlett also wrote a poem and recited at Kranji War Memorial in Singapore.
Beneath the sun, the rows align,
Each name a life, each stone a sign.
The air hangs thick, yet whispers low,
Of fear once felt, not long ago.
They dreamt of home through foreign rain,
Each breath a thread through loss and pain.
In jungle heat where mercy slept,
They shared their strength, and silence wept.
Each dawn could mean another test,
A whispered prayer, a hollowed chest.
They did not know if help would come,
Or if their graves would mark the sum.
The night was cruel, the daylight bare,
Yet courage flickered everywhere.
No promise shone, no clear reprieve,
Still they held fast, still they believed.
And now we stand, the years apart,
With heavy breath and grateful heart.
We trace their pain, their steadfast grace,
In every quiet, sacred place.
From their despair, a light was grown,
A warmth that’s ours, though not our own.
If we could live with half their peace,
Perhaps their suffering may find release.
So let the leaves move, let light fall through,
Their faith becomes the sky’s soft hue.
Not gone. Not past. But carried on,
In every dawn, their hope lives on.
