Redgum - I Was Only 19 [Reaction]

[@Pomdownuder]

I'm a British Vet of 3 campaigns, now residing in Australia, Thank you for honouring the ANZACS and for your genuinely intelligent insite.I have found the Australian forces to be among the best trained and most professional (though Irreverent Soldiers in the world) I would rather have no other nations Forces, covering my back

[@Pomdownuder]

@Reade Polantia I've never met such a bunch of more slovenly, scruffy mob of well trained, reliable bastards, wouldn't change one second spent with theses pricks,😅😂🤣

[@dennismoore1134]

Thank you for your comment, Jono, & for your respect. From our perspective, we were there to do a job & so we got on with it & did it, the same no doubt as your blokes did, in your campaigns. Regards & respect, Dennis.

[@Pomdownuder]

@@dennismoore1134 cheers m🎱, it was a job, that needed to be done, But when you have reliable guys with you, you know you can operate, knowing your not going to get taken by surprise.Thanks for your work Dennis, and your efforts with my countrymen, I know they would've appreciated it.(even if your kits a mess and you can't march){who marches in the field right?😂🤣}

[@dennismoore1134]

@@Pomdownuder Jono thanks, but I can assure you, that although we did not like marching & were probably not good at it, our kits were never a mess. We kept our weapons clean & operating & our packs loaded correctly. As an infantry soldier, we needed to know where all of our equipment was so that we could reach it if we needed it in a 'contact'. We went bush for up to 6 weeks at a time in Vietnam & in that time, although we had been melded as a unit in Australia before Vietnam. we grew even closer under those conditions in Vietnam. We have been bonded for life. Dennis.

[@marieantoinette1360]

Lest we forget xxx

[@jeanwilson717]

This song went to the top of the charts here in Australia when released, in the early 80s. For a generation of soldiers who were vilified upon their return from the war, their voices were then heard. Many of these men were conscripted, so they didn't choose to fight someone else's war. To those who paid the ultimate price, Lest We Forget. To those still fighting their inner demons, we see you and thank you.

[@clintonburr852]

Lest we forget

[@SeanCleverly]

I just read your beautifully eloquent message Jean. I had intended writing something about the sacrifices made and the horror those young men and women who gave their time, their courage and their lives to a conflict bought about by the greed of others ( which covers most wars I guess). Having read what you wrote, however, I think you said all that needs saying and said it perfectly. Lest we forget.

[@charlieroberts7775]

@@chuckdaman1509 Correct several of my friends were conscripted but offered a choice Vietnam or PNG etc

[@chuckdaman1509]

@@johnnichol9412 I stand corrected.

[@rosekay5031]

My Dad was a Vietnam veteran, we went to the movies to watch Forrest Gump, when the Huey’s came over in the film my Dad just froze. He couldn’t move, he couldn’t speak. The only reason I knew something was wrong was because I could smell the fear coming off him. It took about 15-20 minutes for him to come out of it enough to leave the theatre. He never talked about it, except to make jokes about how much fun he had hanging out with US troops. This song always left tears in his eyes. More than one of the men he knew from the army corps on Vietnam committed suicide after coming home. My Dad was called a baby killer, he’d been spat on by protesters, he’d been told by the old blokes from the Returned Servicemen’s League (RSL), that he hadn’t really been in a war, and all through the 80’s and even into the 90’s he’d hear people whinging, there was no such thing as PTSD with Vietnam veterans, that it was all made up. With that in mind, how hard do you think it must be for soldiers who have been to Somalia, Afghanistan and the former Yugoslavia? The wars we don’t talk about. In Australia, more veterans have killed themselves since they have returned from Afghanistan than were killed in the 20 years of war. How fucked up are we as a country that we’ve learned nothing and treat our veterans so abysmally.

[@lyndonmaddison5860]

Beautifully written Rose, enough said.

[@petercrispin2129]

Please, on behalf of your Dad, accept my thank you Sir. It is a humbling honour and one day I may be able to pay you back.

[@XRAF-633]

Rose Kay Please learn that the word is ARMY and not Army nor army Take a look at what is written on ARMY and NAVY aircraft - and be sure to see what it is you are actually looking at. Pay attention to detail. Many ARVN officers also committed suicide when the VC seized Saigon. They only managed that because the US Government withdrew funding. The biggest losses the ARVN {ARMY of the REPUBLIC of VIETNAM] was in 1973 when they lost some 4000 souls - in the end they were left to fight the VC with bows and arrows. I know. I was there then. And there was certainly no welcome home party upon the return of Australian Military personnel. Which is why many, including myself never talked too much if at all about our collective experiences. Al these wars are for commercial purposes - A few individuals and CORPORATIONs become very wealthy as a result of these 'Manufactured Wars' - at the expense of human life. Very little was seen on Western Media top the damage and harm caused to adults and children [Civilians] in the attacks on IRAQ (pronounced eRaq] If you saw children with limbs missing and shot full of holes you would cry and have nightmares. Hearing babies cry in absolute agony -- This was seen on TV in Turkey and Lebanon - but not on Western TV Media Channels. We dropped bombs from a high attitude upon innocent people in Afghanistan, most of whom never owned a TeleVision -- and had no idea of what was going in the West. Failing to recognize Vietnam veterans upon their return is one of the saddest moments in my life. Best regards Rose Kay

[@petercrispin2129]

@@XRAF-633 Sir I was born after Vietnam War, my brother was supposed to go over there, I do not know why he did not. The war is not over, even though I do not fight with weapons or fists, I fight for this great nation AKA Australia by word, thought and prayer. Thank you, it may not seem much to you to re eve a thank you as a reply on a YT comment, but believe me when I say "No greater love than a man who is willing to give up his life for another". God bless you and once again Thank you Sir.

[@wolfoffroad]

Thanks Rose. My father in law was 6RAR, Battle of Long Tan. His reaction seeing the opening sequence of Saving Private Ryan was much the same. He was affected for the rest of his life. Like your dad my father in law never spoke about it to his family, he did talk to me a little after a few cans - Im not surprised he came back affected....

[@bobsnow594]

In 1965 I was conscripted/drafted to join the Australian military. Australia was committed to the Vietnam War but there were not enough volunteers to fill the ranks. All 20-year-old males had to register for the draft, and there was a (supposed) lottery to see which guys were called up and which ones escaped the horror of fighting in Vietnam. Mercifully I was not sent to Vietnam. To this day I bless my lucky escape as I had a job back in my home town of Sydney. I feel real compassion to those who did go and never returned home. Also those who came back badly damaged and still have to live with the demons and illnesses that they brought home with them. I feel real emotion when I hear this song. I am now 76 years of age, and still do not know why we went to fight in Vietnam.

[@tonydewberry3633]

Yes, I also did National Service but thanked my lucky stars I wasn’t sent to Vietnam.

[@Afrodizyak47]

It was 18 yr old to register for conscription

[@angusmckenzie9622]

The Alliance.

[@tonyclarke7151]

I was a reg.. 21 when I was there 4RAR Last out.

[@XaviRonaldo0]

The battle of Long Tan started on the day of my dad's 19th birthday. Would've been a hell of a way to celebrate your birthday had he been there.

[@RolandDeschain1]

Every single time the US find itself in a war, Australia is the first country to put its hand up to help out. It's why I was pissed off when Donald Trump took a call from the Aussie PM and treated him like some scrub. The United States has no stronger military ally than Australia.

[@greybirdo]

Mate, you weren’t the only one. Shed loads of us on this side of the pond thought ‘why the feck do we bother’ when we heard that bull***t. I don’t think most Americans can really understand how deep the orange baby’s casual disrespect of loyal allies actually cut.

[@patrickalford1278]

@@greybirdo Donald looks like having a comeback in the future. I reckon we should build stronger ties with our neighbours and really strengthen up the military even more than we are doing now.

[@brianross4057]

Which PM was that?, If it was Turnbull the President had every right to treat a traitor like him with disdain.

[@brianross4057]

@@greybirdo He didn't disrespect the Aussie diggers he told the scumbag PM what he thought of him.

[@brianross4057]

@@patrickalford1278 And that's a good thing, the world will have a strong leader to stop this WEP take over.

[@staceyrobinson771]

Love from Australia, Thankyou for taking the time 🇦🇺💯❤👍✊

[@glennkelly5142]

In Canberra, the Australian capital, the Parliaments front doors open to an open courtyard that has an uninterrupted view to the Australian War Memorial on the adjacent hill 3 kilometres away. It was planned that way. It is to remind our politicians (old men generally) that those who gave their lives in so many futile wars are watching from the shrine should they want to send other young people to other futile wars.

[@RandomStuff-he7lu]

And just inside the doors of the Australian War Memorial is the Roll of Honour, a series of plaques forming a wall around the inner courtyard which lists the names of every member of the Australian military killed on active duty.

[@slatibaadfast]

just a little history. the old parliament house was situated where is was for the same reason. but the 'new' parliament house was not supposed to be built on the top of the hill. Burley-Griffin left the hill as a parkland because he believed that that public space would allow the people to 'look down' on the government and the politicians. but Pollies being the arseholes they are, put themselves above the people and built their little castle on the people's land.

[@Nomadbloke]

We're all about to go again I reckon. Or the reds will just nuke us.

[@aussieragdoll4840]

@@slatibaadfast That’s why the roof of new Parliament House is grass. It was so people could still go & sit on the hill. But the LNP have closed off access to the grass, and you can’t do that any more.

[@matthewgreer7735]

Didn't really work. TASK FORCE 666 CAMERON BAIRD!!!

[@danielleoeding2880]

Much respect to all service men and women, past and present. Was Anzac day here a couple of days ago. Lest we forget❤

[@simonmartin-zp7kt]

Thankyou for your appreciation bro, Your understanding of this song is amazing, thank you.

[@fizban2207]

There was a draft in Australia for the Vietnam War. As with a lot of US vets they were somewhat vilified for fighting in a war that was even at the time unpopular, once they came home.

[@angelika_munkastrap4634]

Such a terrible thing when they were heroes for their attempt to save people. Such a shame we lost that war. I really feel for the people left behind and stuck in that situation even to today. And also the ones who had to flee and still need to live here to keep away from that society and the way it is now.

[@hiropon2985]

@@angelika_munkastrap4634 nicely said. rip to out fallen, lest we forget.

[@StonedDragons]

It is notable as being the first and only time Australia had the draft. Boer War, WW1, WW2, Korea, they where all volunteer only.

[@super324]

@@angelika_munkastrap4634 that is the antithesis of what this song is about. Westerners, including Aussies, should have not been there. Its been well documented that US and by extension Aussie involvement should have never happened if free elections were allowed to happened. They should have not been put in that situation, they were only 19...

[@angelika_munkastrap4634]

@Ryan Carey You really dont know what youre taking about. Unless you lived there, you have no idea what they went through. WHY do you think all the southerners had to flee here? and why they're STILL here?? You talk to any of the Vietnamese Aussies and they'll tell you true FACTS

[@hewgriffiths2092]

Greetings from Australia. You approach Redgum's song with zero prior knowledge, and yet manage to come to terms with the meat of their message. I am very grateful that you are able to empathize and understand the issues and the thrust of the piece. It is kind of whack that we have almost half of the US hell bent of conspiracy shit, trying to undermine any and all minorities, and yet, there are black, brown, yellow, purple and fucking puce with pink spotted Americans who clearly demonstrate sense and spirit and human honesty that should in a fair world, humble and abridge any gainsayer. Peace to you brother from a British born white guy in Australia, loved your analysis.

[@gregturner_awod]

I was a year too young to be conscripted. My older best mate was, and was sent to Vietnam as an Australian conscript. The Government said conscripts “weren’t used on the front line”. My mate was shot dead on his second day in Vietnam. In later life, after professional learning, I’ve worked with men whose lives have been destroyed by trauma and yes, the age 19 was so common for the onset of trauma that has lasted a lifetime. In an earlier War, WW2, my Dad came home from war in New Guinea. He had been devastated by what he’d seen and been forced to do. He committed suicide soon after my 2nd birthday. So many Australian soldiers and soldiers from the USA and so many other countries have had their lives destroyed by war, as have their families. “I was Only 19” brings tears to my eyes for these brave and damaged men.

[@EarleyDaysYet]

My dad can’t listen to this song - 2 weeks in-country he had to help medevac a Kiwi unit who had been tricked by ARVN troops into walking into a mine field. It’s probably the defining worst day of his life. But also: no one fought the Vietnam War to “preserve our way of life”. We lost it and it meant f*kg nothing.

[@seefour9838]

We absolutely destroyed the enemy and won basically every battle on the military side. The military deserves that respect now to how well they did.

[@noniprimrose833]

Thank you for actively listening and hearing the words. I lived this without understanding what my male friends went through because they wouldn’t speak about it, just go hollow. This song taught me so much. Thank you for respecting it.

[@falaramal3979]

My dad was only 16 when he shipped out to Vietnam with a signed note from my grandparents. He went with RAAME(Royal Australian Army Mechanical Engineers) before he was recruited into the SAS. It’s crazy when your dad is your biggest hero. He’s only told me a few stories from his service but he spent the majority of the conflict on tour and sometimes I can still see it in his eyes

[@JP-se3ti]

I'm was a conscript in Australia's Army, 71 now, what I did not understand, I had won our 'outstanding soldier of the platoon award" at Kapooka, no.13 platoon B wing, and from there i always did my best, my father was a tailgunner in the RAF during ww2 with high expectations of me, he was mostly institutionalised his whole life from orphanage to merchant navy at 15 to RAF for ww2, my mother lived through the blitzkrieg and bombings of London, we were migrants from England in 1957, I am an only son with a beautiful sister, always taught to take care of her, sorry for the history lesson but before I had even left our shores I remember walking to my parents house straight from 10 weeks basic training, and people spitting on the ground in front of me calling me a baby killer, a rapist, and murderer. As I walked out of town, people in passing cars were throwing rubbish at me as I walked, but I wore the uniform with pride, that was the beginning of a long experience that took me away from civilian society, was married once, these days I live alone, have done for 30 years, work alone, travel alone too, it's just better that way. Friends? What are they?

[@rcooper2153]

Shit eh? I missed out by a few months when Gough was elected.

[@Pomdownuder]

Sorry for your experiences sir, I thank you for your service, from One bullet catcher to another.

[@darrinwhitelaw8900]

JP 7 sorry for your treatment from the people of the time, thankyou for your service, you did what your country asked of you only to be treated so bad, we need to treat our vet and current service personal better because without them the world would be a different place

[@johnnichol9412]

@@rcooper2153 All troops were home by the time anyone heard of Gough so conscription was irrelevant by then.

[@orendamangata6283]

With your respect and insight into this, this video deserves more views. Cheers for spreading this mate 👍

[@msduckie2384]

The soldiers in the Vietnam conflict when returning home after a tour of duty were treated vastly different than these days. My father was in the Vietnam conflict & upon coming home he was advised not to wear his uniform because of the negative public/civilian sentiment of the conflict… Bloody terrible. I can’t imagine how he felt! These days, thankfully soldiers are acknowledged and respected when returning home from battle.

[@Pomdownuder]

Unfortunately I have met a few Australian vets that tell that type of story. It was one of the most harrowing campaign's in living memory, type of horrors those guys faced is beyond compare, and treated with such disdain on their return by the general Public is one thing, but the treatment from the government and military was appalling, to be treated like murders , makes me feel sick. I have a great deal of respect for 'nam vets, I look at Iraq and the Stan now and think was it worth it? Then I look at Sierra Leone, and say, yes it bloody well was.

[@ianhill7813]

Don't understand the song don't comment.

[@bradwatts8222]

One fact is that a lot of ANZAC's ( dads , uncles ,older brothers ) came home from Vietnam as battle hardened soldiers and became very introverted and distant from our families because of what they had been through and the effects of PTSD , we got the shell back but they had lost a lot of their emotion humour and affection

[@glenchapman3899]

Yeah same thing happened to the generations who fought in WW1 and WW2. At least now there is an understanding of what all those poor bastards went through. Might make us all a little less keen to go around again.

[@kachdragonfly]

Thank you for doing this reaction. Bless all of those fighting for their country, many times an avoidable conflict superficially constructed by pathetic leaders with a chip on their shoulder.

[@MarkColeman121587]

You’re welcome

[@daviddempseyabp4151]

Great and respectful comments. Yes, most of the Australian troops were conscripts who weren't old enough to vote but old enough to be drafted. For those not from Australia, the place names and slang are explained in en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Was_Only_19

[@johnnichol9412]

Except only 25% were were conscripted, not "most".

[@kloieleigh355]

Thank you for your appreciation of this amazing song, and we all stand with you, stay strong and proud

[@angelika_munkastrap4634]

Glad you loved this song that is so special to my country. It's always special to my heart too. A hip hop group called The Herd re-made this song about ten years ago, featuring the lead singer of RedGum. It's in a rap style and is so so good if you want to react to that too. It has the same title so should be easy to find. Yes ANZAC day is like your Memorial and your Veterans Day. It's in tribute to World War 2 veterans really, but is used widely for all veterans of past wars in most people minds and hearts. But it's not like your Independence Day. We don't have independence, were still under the crown. As a commonwealth country, as is New Zealand and Canada. Anzac Day isn't a party day like your Independence Day is, it's more a solemn tribute day, of marches, gun salutes, a lit flame and medal wearing. And a remembrance poppy we wear. It's beautiful.

[@JosephStalin-zp6cl]

Yeah sorry to correct you but the day 25 April or Anzac Day was set on the Gallipoli landings in ww1 but yeah

[@angelika_munkastrap4634]

(Face palm) oh golly world war 1, should have remembered what I learned in highschool, I forgot which war it was itself but the horrors of how those boys were sent out as cannon fodder is forever etched in my mind thanks to that movie I watched in high school. It's my grandfathers birthday that day, so we mostly focussed on him and so I never went to a remembrance event just saw it on tv sometimes

[@JosephStalin-zp6cl]

@@angelika_munkastrap4634 nah simple mistake mate don’t worry about it

[@mjustjeanette7026]

Yes, The Herd cover really brings this to a more modern music sensibility... and demonstrates how powerful a song "I was only 19" really is.

[@thomasfrazier7861]

@@mjustjeanette7026 how does it being "modern" demonstrate how powerful the song is

[@JohnDoe-bz4yl]

No matter how many times I hear this song it still sends a shiver through me

[@lindsayspears5760]

Your insights on how society treats vets is spot on mate

[@bubbarat8679]

Thank you for this . Your reaction was very respectful. I enjoyed hearing your views on POC and the US army. It is truly sad how your people have been treated over the years by your own country. More power to you mate.

[@vadersfather1248]

Never served but cry ever time I hear this song

[@jemxs]

Thanks for reacting to this great song and also for doing some research of ANZACS and ANZAC Day.

[@eddydianne]

This is about Vietnam soldiers,, let's not forget Aboriginal Australians fought in every campaign Australia participated in

[@andrewmiller-yy4de]

As a child of a Australian veteran who served 2 tours in Vietnam, I never understood until this song was released. I was 17. It explained a lot, and gave me a understanding to a lot of things. Even today at 53 I wished I had asked more questions, other then when we were both drunk. This war effected more than the generation that served. This song was inspired by a friend ( Phil Beared, I think the name s) of the lead singer, who was at the time the President of the Australian Vietnam Veterans Assoc. the day a inquiry found that there were no side effects to the use of Agent Orange. Phil drove his car to I believe to the outskirts of Victoria Barracks in Sydney, and gassed himself. I could say/tell so much more, but at the end of the day we failed our service men and women then and we still fail them today

[@charlesbrewer6552]

Australia had conscription for the Vietnam war. I was conscripted. The Government changed with the election of Gough Whitlam and they ended conscription 1 week before I was supposed to report for duty. A very tense time.

[@paulsutton2645]

I am too young for Vietnam. My main memory is the fact it was over. When I first heard this song, it had the most profound effect on me. No other song has moved me like this one, before or since.

[@theubiquejim]

The average age of the soldier who served in WW2 was around about 26, the average age of the soldiers who served in Vietnam was 19, thus the title.

[@utha2665]

This is true, but the song was written about John Schuman's brother-in-law who was also 19 when he went the Vietnam. Denny is John's wife, and it is her brother's story that is being told.

[@Smokeyr67]

The minimum age for ADF members to serve in war is 19, that’s the reason

[@daviddou1408]

Try 22, not 19. The title of 19 was Frankie's actual age.

[@DaveWhoa]

Australia is the only country that has stood by America in every major conflict since WW1, including Vietnam. We call it STANDING BY YOUR MATES ... the essence of mateship.

[@brettgesell4646]

Yea but we shouldn't be arse lickers to the US and forcing young boys to a war that solved nothing , Australia was used by the Yanks

[@katayfa]

We need better mates, than the warmongering genicidal pirates of the U.S.A

[@dominictoretto377]

@@brettgesell4646 yeah well In the end Australia was the most feared in the Vietnam war

[@geoffcliff2066]

Also called boot licking lackeys

[@brianross4057]

@@katayfa You wouldn't be here if the Yanks hadn't help save Australia from a Japanese invasion. Or I suppose you weren't taught proper history.

[@adriang6259]

Yes, there was a draft ballot for conscription to go to the Vietnam war. Great line "And there's me, in me slouch hat with me SLR and greens" referring to the picture he's fresh, the slouch hat is the iconic Australian Army hat, SLR is the Self Loading Rifle used by our military at the time and greens refers to the uniform. I think about this. My kids are that age. Thank Christ they haven't had to go. And our troops coming home from Vietnam were treated really poorly, embarrassingly in fact.

[@nicksadventuresbolivia2834]

Such a powerful song. Thanks for showing this amazing song.

[@christiank4768]

Form er soldier from new zealand 🇳🇿 , much respect to you sir for one you acknowledged new zealand and australia, when most just acknowledge australia. Two . Knowingly aware that NZ and australia fought alongside the 🇺🇸 USA

[@user-wp5fe8ec6l]

This is really cool to see how someone not familiar with the (older) Australian vernacular reacts. John Schumann is a poet.

[@DavidGowers]

This song brings me to tears every time, especially when it gets to Frankie tripping the landmine. In case nobody else has said, it was written based on stories of the actual experiences of a couple of soldiers who did make it home. One of whom was the brother (maybe brother-in-law?) of the singer/songwriter

[@jeffmills3544]

Frankie didn't kick a mine. They didn't want to use the real name. He died as a result. Very real. Very powerful.

[@DavidGowers]

@@jeffmills3544 oh I'm aware his name wasn't actually Frankie, but that's the name he used in the song so that's the the name I used, because it's the name used in the song...

[@debbiefuge1072]

@@jeffmills3544only because I live in the same town and know the man I reply to this misunderstanding. Frankie did have an altercation with a mine and has the missing parts as a result, Frankie is also his real name , he did not die he was very busy in the Bega RSL ( return serviceman’s League) assisting return servicemen from the Viet nam war and the following theatres of war Australians have been involved in. Frank is a living legend with his huge heart and compassion and tireless fight to help those that returned

[@ausmarkb]

Just for clarification, all these comments are kind of right. The song was based on the songwriters (John) brother in laws (Mick) personal experiences. @Debbie Fuge, you’re correct, Frankie is very much real and suffered from the mine incident referred to in the song. However it wasn’t Frankie that “kicked the mine” and the man who did, did die as a result. That’s the “made up” part. Oh and the “he was going home in June” but June was the only month that rhymed with “moon” so 🤷🏼‍♂️. But of course, none of that changes the impact of the song, it’s just often questioned. Especially the June bit. “Wait, what? How long did he have to wait to go home?”

[@aussiebloke609]

@@ausmarkb According to Brigadier Alf Garland, the reference to June/July was to indicate that Frankie was supposed to have gone home in June...but was still there and actively patrolling in July. The Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial in Canberra (Australia's capital) lists this explanation, along with a few quotes from the song. Remaining in-country after your time had finished wasn't uncommon - it could take a few weeks, maybe up to a month or so, between your time being up and actually getting to leave - and you'd be expected to serve and patrol as long as you're there, regardless of whether you're overdue to be shipped home.

[@francesa1235]

Lest we forget, 11th of the 11th @1100. Thanks to all who served, we have not forgotten.

[@MrSporkster]

Vietnam was the last time Australia had a draft. We've never had one since.

[@virgilcain]

I'm down in the South Pacific for the second time in my life. I went to Australia in my 20s and I'm in NZ in my 30s. You fly down over these specks in the pacific (that sadly i didn't get a chance to search for out of the plane) and think about guys who were 19 fighting in WWII and other conflicts. The Aussies were iirc in Borneo, Malyasia and other conflicts back in the day before Vietnam. The US school system sort of glosses over the Aussie contribution to the Vietnam conflict but you could defo see the impact in the country. Check out And the Band played Waltzing Matilda which was written by a Scot in 1971ish after seeing ANZAC Day ceremony in Canberra He was protesting the senselessness of war especially the events in Vietnam but couldn't directly attack the current events

[@joelmelissam]

Yes, Vietnam was incredibly unpopular here in Australia. There was a draft, soldiers were conscripted.

[@manna6618]

My father still cries at having to kill villagers simply protecting their families...

[@themarkofglass]

Thank you for recognising Anzac Day 25th April. 🇦🇺 Our Government has stopped as from marching since 2019 due to COVID. Stopped us from paying respect to what they went through. God help them. They were only 19 And we turn our backs to them. Shame SHAME!

[@sean---the-other-one]

Interesting points you bring up about your struggle to rethink how you feel about your military. As an Aussie, I can say that we can often see a near brainwashing that happens in the USA over certain things, military service being one of them. Without taking anything away from someone who serves their country in the military for honourable reasons (it’s true that some join just because they want to kill), it’s wrong for a country to so aggrandise military service with the concept of ‘fighting to protect freedom’ when that really translates for many of the power mongers as protecting their interests and wealth. It’s shocking that so many lives are shattered and lost this way, and especially that the system abandons them on their return.

[@kelvinripia1196]

Great show and thank you. Wise words of curiosity. That is how we learn and grow. War, for vets, never leave them. They just learn to live with it. (Or don"t) God bless.

[@warrenbartlett6405]

Well said my friend. So hard for conscripts at the time and regular soldiers. A gr8 song about war. Thanks for reviewing this song. I can see how you couldn’t review it because it is so go mate 😀

[@matthewcullen1298]

G'day mate please check out the battle of Bambara or the battle of Brisbane. The Australian citizens who fought the US MPs because we hated the way they were treating black service men during WW2 . In Britian publicans put up signs saying black troops ONLY. The attitude was if these fine gentlemen are good enough to risk dying for us they are definitely good enough to be welcomed into our pubs and homes.they didn't have much but they did their best to make African American servicemen feel welcome and appreciated.

[@jasonsmith7402]

4:20 The draft gave you two opinions, war or jail. But imagine being told it's for the good of your own country, something on an island far from your own country, but is likely to cost your life... What was anyone involved for, costing so many lives world wide?... Why?... For what reason?... Justified by what threat?...

[@bradleyedwards9244]

Every time l hear this song the hair on my arms and legs stand up while my heart breaks. I thank God l was born in '67 and not forced to fight. No one should be forced, especially teenagers to die in battle. God bless to all you vets who fought a useless unwinnable war.

[@karlennis3642]

Yes Brother!, I'm a Kiwi living in Aus.. 3rd Generation of Forces both Grunts and Navy.... I Really Appreciate your reaction,,,,, Respect Plain 'n simple....

[@djm7494]

Draft AND volunteer.. My Dad voluntary fudged the books and wanted to serve at 18! The most important and relevant song for Australians regarding war and The Vietnam War. When they came back, the Government didn't welcome them back, they had served their country and died... Got off the boat to protests of abuse, no pension, entire country betrayed them!!!!! This is what makes is so special. These heroes were ostracised and abused for decades. The country is STILL trying to make up for the abuse they suffered. EXACTLY what you said about black people being tortured for decades (and still today) yet yet fought anyway because it wasn't about recognition. True, solid men and women who were more heart than anyone else. The bravery, the courage, the complete selflessness!

[@ferrousoxcide393]

3:00 yeah in the Vietnam war Australia had a Draft.

[@abigailfoster2467]

John spent quite a lot of time listening to a returned soldier. This song was written about that soldier’s experiences, at the age of 19.

[@reddog5378]

Frankie is a real person also, only a different name. He's from W.A.

[@antriggjackman6274]

Thank u for reacting to this has Australian Army veteran it means more than u ever know it was about the Vietnam war even l served in the Iraq war l still nightmares to this day. PTSD is a bitch.

[@margi6035]

I totally agree with your comments about the failing to look after the returned soldiers injured physically and or mentally that Governments allow. They should be given employment if possible or full pensions if they cannot work. Among the services made available to the retired soldiers, being all medical and mental health assistance. Public housing included if needed. It is the very least we all as the general public in all countries, should make available to repay the risk they as soldiers, put themselves through to serve and protect us. I think we are going to need many more soldiers in the future.

[@cheypheonixfromAus]

It was like a lottery draw with ballot balls. Numbered marbles represented birthdates were chosen randomly from a barrel.people who’s birthday date was drawn was conscripted. people the age 19 went but some kids said they were older then what they were so they could go to war.so some would of been younger then 19.They didn’t really know what they were getting themselves into.as propaganda mad it look like it wasn’t going to be as bad as it was This song always brings me to tears. Lest we forget.🇦🇺

[@themarkofglass]

🇦🇺 As I fight back the tears. I think about my Dad. God help him, he was only 19. We were told about this but this makes you feel it. Can you imagine being 19

[@sharonconstable4483]

Thank you for play that I always play the Anzac songs every day and a lot more on Anzac day and on 11-11-11 to remember our fallen soldiers again 🙏

[@stupideelsfan9713]

You just earned a subscriber 💯🍻

[@stupideelsfan9713]

Lest we forget

[@Robrulz666icloud]

Thank you so much brother and to every 1 of my brothers and sisters who have given everything you can possibly give I will be with you someday you have my heart and soul until that day comes 🇦🇺👊❤️

[@scottiethegreat74]

I believe the "19" was the age of the soldier he was actually singing about. The age for military service in Australia is 18, and yes, they had a draft for this conflict.

[@scottiethegreat74]

By the way, great reaction!! Love your analysis, especially the questioning of why blacks in America would serve their country, when their country seemed against them in so many ways!! Something I haven't really thought about before, but you could say the same type of thing in regards to aboriginal Australians. Something I think I will have to spend some time thinking about. A very interesting thought exercise. Thanks for planting the seed!!

[@scottiethegreat74]

First time I've come across your channel, but I have a couple of follow up recommendations if you haven't done them yet. The first is Eric Bogle's "And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda", telling the story of a world war I soldier. Secondly, Cold Chisel's "Khe Sahn". A song about what life was like after the Vietnam war for many veterans!! Both amazing songs!!

[@tenfourgaming940]

Thanks for shouting out the ANZACs dude.

[@melindafrazer1427]

For the unaware on some of the terminology: Passing out parade - a marching ceremony upon graduation Puckapunyul - An Australian Army training base Drew the card - Got drafted Canungra, Shoalwater - Further training Townsville - City on the coast in Nth Queensland, further training and to wait for the call out Slouch hat - Traditional hat worn by the Australian army, curled brim on one side, flat on the other SLR - Self Loading Rifle, a British L1A1, a variant of the FAL Greens - Australian army uniform Vung Tao - Vietnamese city Chinook - Helicopter built by America, used by most American allies Nui Dat - Vietnamese city Choppers - Helicopters VB - Beer Agent orange sunset through the scrub - the orange sunsets after the use of agent orange seen through the jungles A barking M16 - gunfire in the bush Dusted off - helicopter extraction from a combat zone Tinnies - Cans of beer Caught some pieces in my back - shrapnel wounds, likely from a nearby explosion John Schumann, the lead singer of Redgum wrote this about the stories of veterans he'd been told. He wasn't there himself but he interpreted their story beautifully. and most of the men were YOUNGER than 19.

[@stevenlowe3026]

You should also react to "And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" - the best version is sung by Eric Bogle, who wrote the song - about the original ANZACs in the First World War. A lot of disillusionment with the Vietnam war led to both of these songs.

[@BigJulieWasDead]

Agred on the choice of song but I reckon The Pogues version is better.

[@tommymakem2611]

Fantastic song, though I prefer the live version by Liam Clancy. Its chilling.

[@onthewattle]

@@tommymakem2611 no surprises there, Tommy

[@wadadli4sun]

A very good reaction. A few notes. The rash... From Agent Orange; used to de-foliage the jungle. The war was unpopular in both the US and Oz with soldiers being shunned on their return. Maybe even more in Oz, taking 45 years to gain recognition. Check the more recent PTSD version and also the movie Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqipdaGZfsScZrc

[@kathymcelhinney5068]

The words that hit hardest for me is “agent orange sunset”, “dusted off” and always in the chorus “the rash that comes and goes”. I think that it was criminal (war crime worthy) whoever decided agent orange should be used as weapon of war.

[@stivi739]

We still use it in ozz its called spray seed..to kill weeds in agriculture..highly toxic

[@davehocking4091]

@@kathymcelhinney5068 for me the ones that hit the hardest are frankie kicked a mine the day mankind kicked the moon. Its amazing to think as humanity the simultaneous high and low that we were going through. The amount of money spent to get 3 men to the moon, however the same people spending money in Vietnam fighting people living in mud tunnels.

[@guybonfiglio5899]

Thank you for your appreciation of this song, as others have said it’s a cultural touchstone here in Australia. Just to touch on some of your comments. Australia has all the societal issues the US has but at a much lower level. There are some nasty facets to US politics that despite the best efforts of some still isn’t mainstream. I have seen a number of documentaries where people of colour have talked about their military service as being eye opening because they were treated more or less as equals. In the case of some of our aboriginal service men from WW2 and before they fraught in our wars for a country that did not even I don’t acknowledge them as citizens or give them the vote in their ancestral lands. Australia has come a long way since then but we still have more work to do. If anyone is interested there are some interviews that can be found on KZbin about African American soldiers deployed to Australia in WW2. Generally the Australian population saw a US uniform and saw an American the colour of their skin was irrelevant. Stories include black soldiers being invited to Sunday lunch with a white family for a home cooked meal or spending time in public with the local women. The locals didn’t seem to care but it did seem to piss of the white GI’s. Lest we forget.

[@goulash75]

The same thing happened in the UK with soldiers of colour. They were treated as equals by the locals. There is a famous story of an exchange between white MP's from an American base, and some soldiers of colour and the locals at a pub. Basically the locals stood up to the racism of the white GIs and a bit of a riot broke out. Check out the "Battle of Bamber Bridge" .

[@Pomdownuder]

@@goulash75re Bamber bridge; that's us get stuck in. Like with the Aussie's you don't tell Brits that you can't do something, especially in our own country. We'll tell you to piss off, you mess with our friends (as the coloured soldiers were viewed) we'll go to town on your arse.one quote at the time was along the lines of, "they're nice young men, Shame they had to bring some of those white boys with 'em."😂🤣

[@geoffreywheatley7711]

In America they call it the Draft in Australia it was called Conscription or national service also known as the Ballot, Men were required to register, and then there was a ballot twice a year if you were selected you were required to do two years of continuing service

[@sopwithpuppy]

"It's a song about two mates of mine who went to Vietnam, came back Agent Orange victims. The title "A Walk in the Light Green" stems from the fact that when the Australian soldiers in Vietnam were given their missions, they looked at the areas where they'd be working in on the map and if it was dark green on the map, then there was cause for some consolation, because dark green meant thick jungle, lots of cover, and there were no mines. If they were working in areas that were light green on the map, that meant light jungle, not much cover, and heaps of mines. This is a song for Mick and Frankie. It's called "A walk in the light green". John Schumann (Redgum). A direct quote from a live version of this song I have.

[@elainebates6967]

It was based on the draft of young men and the Battle at Long Tan in 1966. A total of 18 young soldiers aged 19 years to 23 years died at this battle for 5 hours and ran out of ammo.

[@elainebates6967]

ANZAC Day: "Redgum's John Schumann Performs"- 'I Was Only 19' | Studio 10. This is the singer and songwriter of this song from Australia. You can find a few of his interviews of this song. Before you make another comment to me please check them first!

[@elainebates6967]

@@johnnichol9412 Why, must I continue with this matter?

[@elainebates6967]

@@johnnichol9412 At no time have I had any intention of upsetting anyone and I apologize if that is how my message came across. I get very disturbed by all wars. The stupidity of the human race annoys me. Why can't we all be happy with what we have? Why can't each country be happy with the people of the whole world?

[@kevinryan5457]

Thankyou for the respect for our ANZACS mate.🏵️

[@TheRealMrCods]

Mark Coleman - RESPECT for your comments Brother

[@viaja3569]

Peace & Respect to all veterans that fought for our FREEDOM 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼✨✨✨

[@leelee2350]

My uncle was an Australian vietnam vet and the most I can remember (I was very young) is that his marriage broke down and he would never eat crabs. Apparently he wouldn't eat crabs because he saw them eating dead people in Vietnam.

[@jenengland1978]

You pronounced it right. ANZAC Day. Very special day in Australia 🇦🇺

[@BassMatt1972]

ANZAC Day started after Gallipoli Campaing in Turkey in WWI. It was a massacre for months then a retreat.. We had conscription/Draft lottery for Vietnam. This song is in reference to preparations for a jungle war in Vietnam.. late 60s early 70s.. The places referenced at the start are: Puckapunyal, Army outback training in north of the State of Victoria. Canungra, Queensland, Army Jungle Training Camp, and Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area, Western Australia.. (Or Shoalwater, Queensland) Chinooks, double rotor troop carrier helicopters.. VB is Victoria Bitter beer.. "Agent Orange Sunset".. Agent Orange was a defoliant they used to kill all the trees and turned out to be poison/cancer for the troops.. (hence the rash) Frankie should have gone home in June, he was still there.. Australia has served with the US in EVERY War since 1901.. In fact the first time was with US troops under Australian Command with Sir John Monash.. This singer comes from my home town in Adelaide, South Australia (in the middle, down the bottom)

[@kenreid7747]

13,000 fifteen and sixteen year old boys joined the Royal Australian Navy in the 1960's/70's/80's. Many of us went to Vietnam when we were only 17, and a few of us were only 16.

[@tyger389]

This song was fairly recently recorded by a rap band called The Herd. John Schumann was delighted since it took the message to another generation.

[@reddog5378]

It was changed around a bit but still kept relevant. Always been one of my favourite from The Herd.

[@anthonydezen191]

Yeah they had the draft on TV back then I remember watching it with my older brother mates.. it was like the lottery drawn with number balls in a round cage and if your number came out the date of your birthday you got drafted.. 1970 or so it was the day I watch them all sitting in the lounge room

[@anthonydezen191]

Hi they got treated pretty bad I felt sorry for my uncle Kenny because he got drafted and never returned and he was so young they changed the drinking law from 21 to 18 in Australia back then because a lot of fathers never had the chance to have a beer in the pub before they left maybe never to return.. I have a picture of my uncle Kenny in a fake Bar because they hadn't changed the law when he got drafted it was a year or so later.. God bless them all

[@Grumpy_Rabbit]

This song is the perfect companion to "Wrong Side Of Heaven" by Five Finger Death Punch.

[@astrogeeknerd9960]

Help with the lyrics The light green = Australian army camouflage uniform in Vietnam Passing out parade at puckapunyal = basic training at puckapunyal base Townsville = launch city for the trip to Vietnam Slouch hat = Australian army wide brimmed hat with the distinctive bent up side SLR = army issued rifle at the time Canungra and shoalwater = specialist jungle warfare training bases Canungra and shoalwater = training bases for Australian army Vung tau = Vietnamese village near the main Aussie base (where my dad served) Nui dat = Chinooks = double rotor heavy lift helicopters VB = Victoria bitter ( a beer) Agent orange = deforestation chemical Scrub = thick bushes Dusted off = dropped back at base by helicopter Drinking tinnies = tinny is a tin of beer

[@wadadli4sun]

Núi Đất, Long Phước, Ba Ria, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Vietnam = Where the Aussies were based. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqLEpqOfeNVnfas

[@astrogeeknerd9960]

Happy to be corrected John. My dads pictures were almost all in vung tau, some nui dat. He was RAE, so that makes sense.

[@byronlloyd5347]

Intelligent reaction, thanks mate..🇦🇺✊

[@debb4624]

Brings a tear to my eye every time I hear this song...💔🇦🇺

[@llddau]

This song has brought tears to my eyes every single time I’ve heard it.

[@danwincen1]

It may have been mentioned, but your guess about Anzac Day is pretty good - it's straight up our equivalent of Memorial Day, except we observe Anzac Day exclusively on April 25, not on the nearest Sunday. There are deeply held traditions associated with observance of the day, and it's kind of hard to describe, best experienced in person, and for Americans, there are services held by Australians in various places across America (Washington, LA and Hawaii ring a bell in my memory for some reason).

[@tharr67]

Hey thanks, great to hear your thoughts on this iconic song. Slightly different but would love to hear your thoughts on Midnight Oil, especially "Dead Heart". Cheers from Downunder

[@philliphampton5183]

Bro your monologue was spot on. I'm white as rice myself, and I'm so proud of what the POC have done for this country. For THEIR country. Just to have a " seat at the table" as you said. Amazing to think about. And I really think we're almost there. Almost to equality. Either way I love the fact that during my time in the Army and even my dads time in the same military, its always been about more. True brothers in arms even back in the day.

[@prestigeproductionsaustral1171]

Certainly nice to hear you speak like a compatriots of ours. I guess they send them young because they’re manipulatable. Also just strong and fearless. Of course a older more experienced person would make a better soldier, in terms of decision making and experience, but wherever I guess it’s the class system, which is a modern form of slavery which keeps sending younger, less fortunate people into war and this is any country

[@citizensallianceaustralia2025]

Okay this might have been said before but I am late to the comments so forgive me if I repeat something. During the Vietnam war the Australian army used conscription as a recruitment method. The difference between a conscript and draft is that in a draft the government selects a age group ( it was usually 18 to 35) and all able men (at the time) had to then attend the local army medical office for their initial medical exam. If you where in that age group and you did not show, you were breaking the law and you were arrested. A conscription is basically a lottery. What Australia did during Vietnam is they placed dates in a barrel, they selected a date and if you were born on that date you had to then present yourself at the nearest army medical office for examination. I know this, because my father's birth date came up, and so he had to present himself to the examination office at the army base in Wagga. He was just fortunate that he was color blind, and had a defect in his heart, which meant he was not required to fight in the war, so he was rejected, but he had friends who were not as lucky.

[@mareelewis7639]

I am from Australia and i went to the USA for 3 months and i see the difference like in the USA you cannot go certain areas if you are white and same as the other way and with me i do not see colour as i see people's heart if that makes sense. Glad you did this video as it touches my heart this clip. I will be back in the USA asap once this virus is gone. Take care

[@jeremyh.pritchard5325]

As a side note, Australia's Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home parades were held 3 October 1987.

[@jeffmills3544]

Hey brother. 19 was not only the average age for serving kids in Vietnam but the song is written as the first hand account of Mick.

[@bigdrunkhunter8729]

The Herd did a fantastic cover of this. Either version bring a tear to my eye everytime

[@Smokeyr67]

No, they didn’t

[@michaelthompson5933]

We had a national programme the original version of this song is called I was only 17

[@elainebates6967]

Yes, exactly the same in Australia. It was and still is shocking how all soldiers are treated when they return and suffer bad PTSD.

[@elainebates6967]

The lead singer was John Schuamann who wrote this song after his brother-in-law came back from the Vietnam War. The Battle of Long Tan 18th August 1966. The movie 'Battle Close' is an explanation of what this song is about.

[@snarkymatt585]

At the time in Australia there was a National Service draft however all National Servicemen that went to Vietnam volunteered for overseas service.

[@timalder8940]

The film related to this song is Danger Close: Battle of Long Tan. Well worth a watch. The Anzacs have always fought hard and are truly warriors.

[@chrisbinks1]

i love this song, i still tear up listening to it...I was there and was only 19!

[@bringbackcommonsense528]

Great reaction this song was made to address PTSD, the cover up of Agent orange etc. Vietnam vets not only had to deal with that but the disgusting appalling way they were treated when they came home. One of our dark times in our history.

[@emmanash6699]

From memory (I grew up with this song) the average age of Australian servicemen for this war was 19 years. That is why that number was used. They were babies thrown at a horrible situation none of us should have been in. The resultant trauma was ignored by the government, the medical community, and the general population. [Cold Chisel have a song (Khe Sanh) which also talks about the ongoing trauma.] This song marked a huge turnaround in the treatment of Viet Nam vets, including an actual welcome home parade over 20 years after they all came home

[@Smokeyr67]

Not average Emma, the minimum age for an ADF member to serve in war is 19.