Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

I met Bluey Parr and his 6RAR friends in PNG 2010 . I was a tourguide on the Kokoda Track and they were in my group . They looked to be older than the usual people that walk (and climb) the difficult conditions of the 8 day ordeal . I asked Bluey on the first day if he was alright and his reply was "I would feel better if you would pick up the pace young fella , we'll never get there at this rate". He was always up the sharp end pushing on and leading his mates . I worked out pretty soon that he was a Long Tan veteran and asked him why he was putting himself through this difficult and dangerous journey . He said he was having a holiday with mates and wanted to see what all the fuss was about with this "stroll through green stuff". Lots of good stories around the campfire every night and jokes through the day . We finished the Track with no problems and he and his mated went home , maybe to find more adventures . I have since met 2 other Long Tan veterans and have been similarly impressed . They are living legends and I would share a beer with them again anytime .