Thuan Linh Nguyen
We were sitting around, having our picnic lunch in the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria. Inspired by the autumn scenery surrounding us, these words just slipped from my lips:
“Oh my God! Autumn is so wonderful in this land! I have never seen anything like this in Vietnam.”
One of my nephews, who is around 20 years old, asked me why our family had settled in Australia. Because he was born here, he tended to take this wonderful land for granted. I recounted the stories of my voyages of escape, as well as those of their father. We discussed how we arranged for their grandmother and their mother to come to Australia safely. He was shocked to hear the details of these voyages and said, “How come these stories haven’t been told by my father’s or mother’s side of the family?”
Perhaps the reason for this is that the adults are too busy with their lives or they do not want to remember their sad stories. Perhaps also, the young ones are too busy with their own lives and the interesting activities that they are engaged in. An exclamation mark remains deep in my heart! The memories of our journeys are still with us but no one has the time or the concentration to nurture the roots of those memories! I know that no matter how hard I try, the maximum period of time that I can keep those memories alive is only one generation!!! Eventually, my descendants will become integrated into the many and varied ways of life on this earth. Life goes on but the lifespan of any one person is always limited.
I have been lucky to have had many opportunities working with young people, especially working as a youth camp organiser. During “marshmallow bonfire camps”, the young ones like to gather together with me and ask me to talk about Vietnamese history. Some came over here when they were babies while others were born in Australia. I realised one thing: these young ones are not living unaware in their second homeland, Australia. They do not take everything for granted. Our roots, yes again our roots, my God, they have swirled in our souls naturally.
But how do we maintain this knowledge of our roots ?
I sincerely express my gratitude to all members of the organising committee which has built the monument for Vietnamese Boat People in Adelaide. This masterpiece will contribute to our legacy and help to maintain the knowledge of our roots.
It was a Sunday in summer but it seemed a bit chilly as if Autumn had set in early. Actually, I should say that it was cold rather than chilly because I saw some attendants with their long coats on. Despite this, the organising committee had gathered together a substantial number of around 1000 participants.
Among the participants, there were quite a few Vietnamese and Australian authorities. I felt heartened to see how Australians were interested in the unveiling of our masterpiece. Sometimes I wonder if the Australians ever have second thoughts about Vietnamese immigrants. Just a fun question for myself! I know exactly the answer is NEVER RECONSIDER.
I observed the stream of people being admitted to the event, assisted by those young ladies of the organising board. They respectfully listen to the Australian and Vietnamese National Anthems, sung in a wonderful manner by the choir which is cleverly conducted by the choirmaster Tin Quang Le and the passionate rhythmic singing of the choir’s members.
I can imagine the harmony between Australians and Vietnamese, and between the young and the elderly. I can especially imagine the meeting between the immense sacred souls of our ancestors and our souls, and between the people on this land in Adelaide and the Monument for the Vietnamese Boat People.
Thank you to the organising committee, the artists and all the participants who gave me the inspiration to write this beautiful memory.
“Assistance with the English version of this story was given by Catherine Clarke.”
Thuan Linh Nguyen