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That's My World Tuesday: Our tomorrow, your today


Unlike most tours that visit the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum towards the end of the day, our tour went to this place in the morning to avoid clashing traffic with loads of other tourists and the overcrowded train that passes the bridge over the River Kwai at sunset.


This museum is co-sponsored by the Thai and Australian governments to commemorate the suffering of those involved in the construction of the railway. It was opened by the then Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard. As a part of the museum experience, it is possible to walk through the cutting itself and along a section of the former railway track bed. An audio tour including recorded memories of surviving POWs is available at the museum.

Far, wide and deep view from the museum:

Hellfire Pass is the name of a railway cutting, famed for its cost in life, on the Death Railway in Thailand, known by the Japanese as Konyu cutting. It was built in World War II, in part by POWs. Work by torchlight at night gave the pass its name.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellfire_Pass

This is part of the Pass we walked on during the tour:

The path to the Konyu cutting from the museum above - of course now they have made it easy for tourists:

A plaque attached to the 'wall' of the Pass:
It's something comforting to read after hearing the guide's description of the terrible work condition that happened there. I love this part:
  • "These doctors provided leadership, helped alleviate pain and suffering and above all gave reason to live when all real hope seemed lost. To them we all give thanks. When you go home, tell them of us and say we gave our tomorrow for your today."
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Comments

L. Neusiedler said…
an interesting trip you prepared for today! but I have to say that maybe, before building memorials, people should avoid hurting each other, for whatever reason...
Hazel said…
To Lara, here's hoping we all learn from the past.
Reader Wil said…
Having been a POW myself at the age of 9, I am always interested in stories about the Burma railway. Good post Hazel.
Chubskulit Rose said…
Hello there Hazel ! We got back since Sunday but wasn't able to visit blogs till now. They got sick (diarrhea) except me. We actually brought our son to the hospital today because he is fevered (still is till now.).

I would like to thank you all for the wonderful and encouraging words you said and left at my blogs. For the sympathy and prayers, and for those who shared their blessings to the family! May God bless you all for your compassionate hearts!
Anya said…
Lovely post Hazel !!
Interesting and lovely shots :)
Its beautiful your world ....
Eleanor said…
A very moving tribute to those who suffered in such terrible ways. We so easily forget - my post is also about the war dead.
PS I love your boys!
ninja said…
I had no idea about this place. Thanks for introducing it.
Guy D said…
Excellent post Hazel, thanks for sharing.

Have a great week.
Guy
Regina In Pictures
Wolynski said…
Bridge on the River Kwai - now this brings back memories of the film. Never knew they had a memorial - lovely post.
A very poignant post.
Louise said…
Very nice post. Can't imagine what it must have been like to build that.
Lew said…
About 40 years ago I saw a movie about the building of the bridge over the River Kwai. Thanks for showing us this WW-II place.
Jenn said…
Such heroes, these doctors. Thanks for the very interesting post.
Janie said…
Thanks for sharing that interesting bit of history and bringing it to life with your photos.
Ebie said…
There's always a soft part of me about this part of a country's history. The memorial is so be fitting.

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