Redgum I Was Only 19 - Requested reaction

*Please submit reaction requests here:* docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4zzbTDjnAVHwNXUYZV6bUpT_1NDGJUufEEJhns4-DYA7q5g/viewform
*View existing reaction requests here:* docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vR82MNtu9K3-y0E-LXM4OAjHwByeJ4fds0NMbM1zAwEmNMVUnbfYutQyok2M5mIi3a6FnIIbs-u68fD/pubhtml?gid=274420394&single=true
@rodb1646 & Detlef & @DarrylM & Paul & Andrew all requested that I react to this one
kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3inma2MnpaVp7c
www.youtube.com/@Redgum

[@WesleyMediaHub]

Good respectful reaction ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Wesley Media Hub has now officially subscribed to this channel 🫡 Our version is the original song and artist “with genuine (rare) Australian defence force archive footage” from our NSFA kzbin.info/www/bejne/bniXgaenhr9rZpIsi=950S7Luv3vkGVfm9 Best regards Nigel WMH Team - Australia 🇦🇺

[@paulschmehl2124]

Thank you. I really appreciated being able to watch your version. Especially the raw footage of the diggers in the bush.

[@WesleyMediaHub]

@@paulschmehl2124 🫡 Lest We Forget “Ex Service Men and Women such as yourself have my upmost respect” Kindest regards Nigel WMH Team - Australia 🇦🇺

[@lyndabignell9660]

There's a very moving video of this song showing an older man suffering from ptsd Worth a watch.

[@karenglenn6707]

As an Aussie, this song means so much to so many of us, especially coming up to ANZAC day, which is a day where we reflect and are thankful for those who gave their lives throughout all wars and conflicts. My nephew did 2 tours of Afghanistan and we nearly lost him to PTSD, he was curled up in a foetal position when my sister when to check on him as she was worried. He has lost so many brothers who served with him, who have taken their lives. The ADF do not look after the returned soldiers. My nephew joined the Victoria Police (silly decision but we are a police family) but they are the ones who got him the proper care and paid for it all, so props to them for their care of him. He now is engaged with a 9 month old daughter, the he best thing to ever happen to him. He still has bad days though, and rings his mum crying. He resigned from the police and is a stay at home dad as his partner is a research doctor. He is the happiest have seen him for many years, such a relief. We have already lost a beautiful nephew who chose to leave us at 18, another one would have been unbearable.

[@davidcruse6589]

Cheers mate yeah it tough for them We have one who left army now a sa police officer I hope he's happiness stays with him and family that cares helps Blessing for your lose so young but unfortunately out our control We have to remember they'd want us to keep enjoying life for them Also their always with us everytime we do something that reminds us of them Means their still alive and communicating with us in a different way that's all It how I like to look at it their always with us just different way of communication Cheers mate less we forget

[@Reneesillycar74]

Thank you so much for telling us your family story. It’s so damn hard & it is our shame that the ADF don’t do enough. Best wishes to you, your nephew & your family.

[@davidcruse6589]

@@Reneesillycar74 nar not our fault government's and rsl fault They're only getting what they are now because public found out and put pressure on them both My uncle didn't hold a grudge with public for this as realised government's and media was hiding it from the public Had big issue's with wharfs as they where running out of food ammunition due to the wharfs protested them being their and locked them down In the end the army took a wharf berth over and sent supplies and the soldiers where days from no ammunition to protect themselves Had to steal rashions from alies but different ammunition He never forgave them for that as it wasn't their choice to be there it was the government's decision So never held us as a society for treatment at home other then the few who harassed them and they normally fixed them in their o2n way Most have claims in against government for agent orange for when the secret documents time period finishes Their families can receive any leagal benefits that may come out of it They know the government's where stalling hoping they'll all be dead and not pay for damage caused to them But as they have claims in writing it's their for life should it be proven and claims will be up held Sadly all we can do is keep their message and sacrifice alive with Anzac days and keep teaching the kids the history of these heroes Less we forget keep it alive Cheers mate 🦘🇦🇺👍

[@c8Lorraine1]

So sorry he had to go through all that trauma. War is such an ugly situation for anyone let alone a boy of only 19. It’s terrifying. Wrong that these guys are not given a debriefing after their time in a war zone.

[@dougsinclair3596]

So many chose to kiss a country freight train in preference to living with the ghosts of Vietnam tour of duty. I served 18 months. My brother did a double tour and he was a WRECK for the rest of his life, in and out of prison, 6 months confined in a psych ward when he came back the second time. Unable to get it out of his head. Different people react in various ways, some cope and are sort of OK others are scared and ruined for life.

[@peteroconnor6137]

I was an 18 year old medic in RVN 70/71. I left the USA a week after my separation and ended migrating to Australia in March 1973 from the UK, aged 20. Been based here ever since. None of the BS I had in the US as a vet just didn’t happen here. The hate was directed more at the politicians who put us there in the first place. NEVER regretted the move .72 now with agent orange induced Parkinson’s. But a happy soul after a full life with now kids and grandkids. Lest we forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice…

[@chrisquinn4712]

Thankful to the soldiers, medics, cooks anyone who served but them damn politicians can suck it

[@balianofibelin1]

In my job i work with Vietnam war veteran they are great clients the PTSD they have does effect on them there is a support group who trains dog's and get no finding from the government is is called Young Digger's

[@WesleyMediaHub]

Here here Peter 🫡 You’re a hero in my book mate👍🏻

[@WesleyMediaHub]

@@Lordkeggles 👍🏻👍🏻

[@moonsharn]

Thank you for your service ❤. I’m so sorry that you’re suffering the effects of agent orange. You’re a hero, and I’m so proud that you chose to come and be Australian. 🇦🇺 ❤

[@RaffaPed]

This song and Eric Bogle's song "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" always moves me to tears.😢

[@doubledee9675]

You're not alone - they are both intensely moving

[@lindsaymac01]

Plus 1 to that.

[@mattbarbarich3295]

Lemmy from Motorhead did an amazing song about the Somme from the 1916 album. Check it out, had to stop the car first time I heard it.

[@user-hx4bz6hm2t]

try The Pogues ,And the band played Waltzing Matilda , its emotional.

[@jeffbrooks8024]

Add Rachel by Russell Morris to that list

[@vegasvisitor-o3e]

I'm glad, as an American you acknowledged this song, because most of the American public on a whole do not realise our Aussies boys stood side by side with Americans in this travesty of a War.

[@paulschmehl2124]

Credit our educational system for teaching them nothing, and our arrogant politicians for thinking they are the only ones who matter.

[@user-bf8ud9vt5b]

There were 60,000 Aussie Viet Nam veterans from the army, Royal Australian Air Force and Royal Australian Navy. My uncle was among those conscripted into the army and later came back serving for decades in the RAAF. 🇦🇺🇺🇸

[@suekaraiskos7104]

Yes. It was a travesty but so proud of you all!

[@theconvictedquokka]

​@@user-bf8ud9vt5b shit my pop was conscripted for the Malayan emergency and reupped and stayed in as a volunteer till he lost his leg in vietnam

[@duanehirini2078]

Lost my uncle in NZ army in Vietnam, where theres aussies theres kiwi's too

[@patrickearl8896]

This song has vast significance to Australians who remember when it came out.

[@Knotaro_bot]

and to those who came after

[@baabaabaa-yp2jh]

Do the Yanks know it was written by a Communist teacher as an anti war song?

[@KingDarkOne1996]

I don’t remember when it came out I just remember the song when I hear redgum. And honestly it hurts when I hear I was only 19.

[@baabaabaa-yp2jh]

@@KingDarkOne1996 Hey mate, all wars are sh*t... but l know what Yanks are like re Commies.. ie. brainwashed. My cousins went to Marion High School where the music teacher wore a green hat with a red star.. Redgum might be a hint... dunno? Great tune, but most (all) Aussie war songs are anti war.. Weird eh, that we're not flag waving jingoists.

[@Flipper568]

@@baabaabaa-yp2jhin Australia we don’t glorify war

[@suzanneknibb3501]

as an Australian,this always makes me cry, full respect to our ANZACS and Vets across the world

[@R0d_1984]

Take care my Aussie Girl.

[@madeleinesuzette]

Yep ..I always cry 😭😭😭 too

[@dougsinclair3596]

During the time of the Vietnam War I once read on a toilet wall; "Fighting for peace is like fucking for virginity".

[@paulschmehl2124]

How about fighting to survive?

[@7thsealord888]

This song came out when PTSD and the welfare of Vietnam veterans had only just started to become a very real issue in Australia. It had quite an impact at the time, as you might expect. It still has the power to move.

[@artistjoh]

"Dusted off" goes over most people's heads. Something else that goes over peoples heads is that Frankie kicked a mine the day mankind kicked the Moon, he was going home in June." Armstrong stepped on the Moon 20th JULY. In other words, Frankie should have been safe back in Australia for a month already, but in war sh*t happens and he was still there, waiting for his overdue transport home when he stepped on a mine, making it doubly terrible. The "June" line hits very hard.

[@miseen-garde1744]

Well said xoxo

[@leagreenall5972]

As far as the moon mate; Apollo 16 landed on the moon on April 21, 1972. Hence why his tour was up in just over a month.

[@artistjoh]

@@leagreenall5972 Who cares about Apollo 16. The song is referring to Apollo 11, and Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landing on the Moon on 20th July 1969, a month after Frankie was due to go home. It refers to the injustice of him not supposed to be in Vietnam on that day, but because of the usual military chaos he was still there. The last Australian combat troops were withdrawn from Vietnam in March of 1972, a month before Apollo 16, although a platoon guarding the Australian Embassy remained until 1973. Thus Frankie could not have kicked a mine on 21st April 1972, because there were zero Australian troops on patrol at that time. They had been gone a month by then.

[@leagreenall5972]

@@artistjoh actually.... in December 1972, the Australian Government officially declared the end of its combat role in Vietnam. The withdrawal process was largely completed by early 1973, with all Australian troops returning home by 30 June. I was just offering another perspective as most people think that the only moon landing was July 1969.

[@artistjoh]

@@leagreenall5972 While it is true that the last troops returned home in 1973, the troop draw-down started in 1970, just a few months after the events in the song, and it was a slow and phased withdrawal. Frankie, in the song was on combat patrol, presumably in Phuoc Tuy province since that was the focus of Australian operations during that period. Those kind of deployments had finished by March of 1972, and remaining troops was a smaller deployment defending and decommissioning the base at Nui Dat in Phuoc Tuy province, and in Saigon defending the embassy. Nui Dat was stripped bare by December of 1972 and handed over to the South Vietnamese army and after that the only troops were in Saigon. The decision to end combat operations was announced by Prime Minister McMahon on 18th august 1971 and he said combat operations would cease in October of that year. The last significant combat engaged in by Australian troops was the Battle of Nui Le on the 21st of September 1971 with 5 dead and 24 wounded. Subsequent announcements of the end of combat operations were referring to those last embassy guards that were withdrawn in 1973. It boggles the mind that there are people who would not know that there were six Moon landings between July 1969 and December 1972, but then there are people who think the Earth is flat. As someone who was listening to Armstrong stepping on the Moon in 1969, it is indelibly etched in my mind. I also had friends who were deployed to Vietnam, and other friends who were dodging the draft. I was fortunate that my number never came up, and was very relieved when the last troops came home. It took a long time between McMahon's announcement and the last troops returning, but in that last year the risks were low, and as far as I know there were no Australian killed of wounded in combat after September of 1971.

[@twofirstnames785]

I really cant tell you how much we Australians love when Americans recognoize and appreciate what a small nation (in population) has, have and will scarifice. I want to thank you so much for reviewing this song. It holds a special place in the heart of aussies and we love when americans especially can appreciate it. Please dont stop doing your reveiws. They are very wholesome and help to make the world a brighter, better place.

[@melissatuel862]

My husband is a Vietnam Vet and served with Aussies. He speaks very highly of them and is thankful for their support and service. ❤️

[@philmckrakin6752]

My father served with the RAR and did 24 months in Vietnam. You have a far stronger opinion of Americans than he does. They also overthrew a democratically elected government in 1974 and use us for Pine Gap. Not to mention the Japanese would've over run Australia without any intervention from the United States had they not bombed Pearl Harbor. Your history revision is quite strange.

[@mac7083]

I'm an ex Aussie Digger. At the end of an exercise in 1985 we had a massive party/drink. Our regimental band was playing on the back of two trucks parked side by side. A major i wss drinking with asked if any of us knew "I Was Only 19". I said "yes sir, i do" ..... come with me son. I'd had a few cans before we got on the "stage". he played on an acoustic guitar and i sang. Ironically.... i was 19 at the time and i poured every bit of emotion i had into that song. After i finished i hopped off the stage and senior Diggers that were Vietnam vets came up to me with tears in their eyes and hugged me and said "thanks Macca". I still get emotional thinking of that night.

[@Boomage1979]

Im an Australian, My great uncle Stanley Howard Chapman served in WWII in the 2/20th battalion. He was taken as a POW in Changi and transferred to Sandakan POW Camp. He died in 1945 and did not come home at all because of the Japanese. His body is still in Singapore. I cry every time i hear this song. He wasn't 19 he was 26 at enlistment and 32 at death. His line in my family never got started at all and was extinguished too soon. Love you, Great Uncle Stan. Your ultimate sacrifice was not in vain and is not forgotten.

[@mariemiller8740]

That's just awful 😢

[@R0d_1984]

Grandad Tobruk later flew beau fighters around Rabaul PNG, he made it out died at 45 (heart) out drinking and smoking and girls...

[@dramoth64]

I had a grandfather, 6 great uncles and an uncle who served in WW2.

[@jeanwilson717]

My Mum was a nurse at a DVA hospital. She nursed many of those who returned from Changi. She would talk about them often. In the words of Midnight Oil (Blossom and Blood) "All the Mothers who send your sons, wipe away your tears For those who fought, and those who fell, become our sons as well" We WILL remember them.

[@robhamilton4373]

Craig - had 2 uncles with 2/20 - both died on the POW ship on their way to Japan. I have a fair bit of detail on what they went through on the railway.

[@vadersfather1248]

As a aussie who never served I hear this song with so many mixed emotions ,pride,sadness and awe at you veterans who served it always brings a tear every time

[@adrianhempfing2042]

Same . As a person with no experience I feel this song should be compulsory viewing on Anzac day to try to start to comprehend what it was like. As reactor sir said, we will never truly understand though

[@alwynemcintyre2184]

Politicians are always prepared to "go" to war, but you don't see them sacrificing their children to war.

[@shmick6079]

Black Sabbath - “War Pigs” Metallica - “Disposable Heroes” Two songs worth checking out that lament the manner in which soldiers are used and abused by the decision makers.

[@AndrewFishman]

John Fitzgerald Kenedy - PT 109, missing in action Shortland Islands, Solomons Campaign. The Coastwatchers pulled his arse out of the coals. The native people acting as runners and scouts were risking their lives under Japanese occupation and smuggled him all the way down the island chain under their noses.

[@martinmayhew145]

Winston Churchill fought in World War 1. There are plenty of Presidents and Prime Ministers fought in wars

[@baabaabaa-yp2jh]

​@@martinmayhew145Churchill fought in the Boer War mate, he bungled (with help) the Dardanelles campaign, he never served in WW1.

[@Bellas1717]

Joe Biden's son Beau served in Iraq, and was awarded a medal for bravery. He later died from a glioblastoma, very likely caused by exposure to burn pits. The percentage of children of politicians serving/having served is actually a little above the average for college graduates.

[@payntpot7623]

This song always made me proud to be from an ANZAC country, and still makes me cry to this day, no matter how many times I have heard it. The Diamantina Drover is another of my Redgum favourites.

[@AndrewFishman]

ASIO is great too. "Everything is legal, anything goes. The night's getting darker and the ill wind blows. Your life's in a databank in ASIO"

[@aussiebloke609]

@@AndrewFishman OMG yes, one of their best. I've still got that album somewhere here - just need to get a new record player now.

[@Bonta768]

As an Aussie, thankyou for covering the original song. Respect to you sir.

[@Wandafulofit]

The Frankie they refer to is still alive and kicking in the Bega Valley NSW Australia

[@Sweetlyfe]

That’s good to hear, also he’s definitely living in a good spot.

[@R0d_1984]

the Bega Valley is so beautiful.

[@ww4787]

Well, yes and no. Frankie is alive and was injured in the mine explosion. But Peter Hines, who did step on a mine in July 1969, passed

[@sopwithpuppy]

The title is actually "I was only 19 (A Walk in the Light Green)" John Schumann from a live recording of this track says "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".

[@kaylyons5395]

This song is almost as patriotic to Aussies as our Anthem maybe more so on Anzac Day

[@beebee1676]

My dad was a Vietnam vet with the AATTV; Aus army training team, first in, last out. They have a memorial grove of trees, Canungra, where his name & flag now rests along with his fallen mates. He was only 19 when he joined 🇦🇺

[@catherineprice4766]

Same with my dad. 😢 RIP Dad.

[@infin8ee]

Mine too. Miss him so much . Persevere.

[@LEF3133]

My grandfather was in the AATTV also, was able to go to the garden a couple of years back when my sister in law was doing a course there. Shame its not open to the public.

[@beebee1676]

@andrewlefel1657 wow small world. It is a shame, but it's also nice that it's like a private place for their families to remember them & for current soldiers there, I believe it would be a comfort that their training is not in vain ?

[@infin8ee]

@@beebee1676 it's an active base and I like that it's for military and the families. It's also a fabulous thing that every year there's a working bee and ex soldiers and family spend the day paying respect by ensuring that The Grove is spic and span.

[@yoldman7713]

Here in Australia, the drinking and voting age was 21. Because of that War, it was dropped to 18. Just imagine, you could be Drafted, given a rifle, trained to kill but you could couldn't have a Beer with your father at the local Pub

[@darrengray2309]

There are certain states in America where that is still the law

[@Bobbydazzlla]

For a small population our country has punched way above it's division in combat. Thank you for playing this much loved song that always draws a tear.

[@paulschmehl2124]

Yes, you have.

[@R0d_1984]

Haven't- hear- heard ''Bobby Dazzler'' in many years....

[@paulschmehl2124]

@@R0d_1984 If you watch The Curse of Oak Island you'll hear it on many of the shows.

[@jamescastle9606]

You guys always have, no matter where you were sent. I have the utmost respect for the Aussie soldiers throughout history.

[@daniellestock]

Such a precious song to Australians. Thank you for the respect of our beautiful Soldiers.

[@mista2621]

My Great Grand father was 14 years old when he joined the Australian Royal Navy in 1916 , He then served as a Captain in the sequel WW2 . A True Aussie Hero .

[@paulschmehl2124]

No question about it.

[@kennethmcdonald93]

This song is the unofficial anthem of Australian Viet veterans ( also our New Zealand brothers and sisters ) John Shummann ,, lead vocal for Redgum, Based on the Stories of Australian veterans and mostly his Brother in law ! Who was a veteran of Vietnam ! And every true Australian Sheds a tear & says a quiet Thanks to all ANZACS for their efforts and sacrifices ! We acknowledge European and British & American forces as well . However I get annoyed by the lack of recognition of Australian forces by Britain and America !.

[@paulschmehl2124]

America smugly ignores everyone else. Not my group though. Vietnam Veterans for Factual History recognizes the contributions of all forces, including the Republic of Vietnam Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force.

[@capnfrankly]

I too am a VietNam Veteran🇦🇺 Still moves me deeply as it addresses our problems and the why of PTSD (from which I still suffer) I am 83 years old .Served In Armour , Tanks, and 4 months serving with a US Advisory team 🇺🇸(MACV Team 89, Baria Province)

[@paulschmehl2124]

Thank you for your service.

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

@@paulschmehl2124 Hang on a second. Tell me why you thank him for his service? At what point was the US under attack?

[@daniel-it2lw]

@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 A lot of the men that went had no choice. my partners pop is a Vietnam vet, he got drafted and did 67-68. That man has had cancer and sperm issues from the war, he ended up having 3 daughters though. one of them passed away from a drug addiction. that was my partner's mum, my thanks and respect for what hes been threw is to keep his granddaughter safe and happy.

[@BarbaraMacDonald-bq1lb]

​@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425Take ya medication mate 🤪🇦🇺

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

@@BarbaraMacDonald-bq1lb Perhaps my was the question too intellectual for you? Would you like me to explain it to you? Better still, you tell me why they thank them, and include telling me at what point the US was under attack that they had to go to Vietnam, and, leave in defeat, just like Iraq, Syria, Korea and Afghanistan too..

[@user-rw2ve4wo2i]

As an Aussie I can say this song is about anyone who served in the Vietnam war.

[@iliasmastoris529]

This song had and still moves me every time.

[@John-gm8ty]

I am amazed there's a vet who has not heard this song. even in the 90's this was played at least once a night in most night clubs, bars and pubs across Australia and beyond. it is almost universally played on ANZAC day as well.

[@adrianhempfing2042]

Veteran sir is American though. It's a very aussie song

[@iankearns774]

I know a guy who served in Nam when he was pretty young as a sniper, I would call him mate but he doesn't like that as in his mind his mates are the ones he left behind over there but he is a friend of mine. He has been terribly messed up and has become an alcoholic, he has never got over Vietnam and as he is about 72 yo never will. We never talk about Vietnam to him but occasionally when he is drunk he will bring things up. It must have been hell on earth for them, I know a younger fella also messed up who served time in East Timor, he remembers being attacked by a mob of guys with machetes and they had no choice but to open fire. I doubt he will ever recover from that either. I agree with you with your wish the Governments of the world could get along but thats just pie in the sky.The only chance war will ever end is divine intervention from above. PEACE

[@gamera3000]

I have a friend who was discharged from the Australian army after East Timor with PTSD. It's not a conflict that is widely remembered.

[@TheKrispyfort]

Some words are heavy with personal meanings

[@TheKrispyfort]

​@@gamera3000 I have an ex who served in East Timor. He's a very messed up individual, God love him.

[@marieantoinette1360]

Yes this song holds an emotional connection for so many of us Aussies, just looking through the comment section says it all, my father was a Vietnam Vet and this song was a testament to his sacrifice. Thank you for taking the time to listen to it.

[@peteroneill404]

John Schumann, of Redgum wrote and sang this song. This was the war experience of his brother-in-law, which I think makes song even more powerful and shows how well written it was because it written about someone else's experience.

[@charmianpearsoncl6691]

Another Aussie here I've always been so proud of these guys for this song. Thank you for playing it.

[@GorillaWithACellphone]

Apologies for the Somewhat Lengthy comment that follows: I was one of the People who requested this one after the reaction to the “The Herd” version. Each of the Versions are unique but nothing beats the original version (in my opinion). This song really highlights how the war affected people, especially Australian (and even New Zealand) Veterans. ANZAC Veterans, much like some American Veterans, didn’t get much appreciation or even recognition, especially later into the war. In the 1970s many of them were excluded from ANZAC day marches because veterans of earlier wars saw them as Unworthy of the ANZAC Title and traditions. In 1972 the RSL (Returned servicemen’s League) decided that Vietnam Veterans should lead the march. Australian Vietnam Veterans were honored with a Welcome Home Parade on October 3rd, 1987 and it was after this that a campaign for a memorial began. This memorial was known as the “Vietnam Forces National Memorial” and was dedicated on October 3rd, 1992, dedicated to the 50,000 Australian Army, Navy, and RAAF (Air Force) Veterans that served in the war. The Memorial Includes the names of some of the 521 Australians Killed during the war.

[@interestingclips5315]

What is almost stupidly ironic about the ostracism they faced, is the majority of Aussies who served didn't have a choice; they were drafted. I recall my father telling me he narrowly missed being drafted. He was 18 (b. 1951) when they did the annual draft for his locality, in January, calling out 4 dates per month. His birthday is 10th April, and the they called out 8th, 9th, 11th , 12th of April.

[@lindalee-brown5539]

This song is still powerful all these years later. 💙

[@autumn-dusk]

Another Aussie here. I was only a toddler when the Vietnam War ended and had just started high school when Redgum released this song. Years later, I still get goosebumps when I hear this song. It is incredibly powerful. I've heard very little about what our Vietnam vets experienced when they returned to Australia, but the little I have heard sounds devastating. Rest in peace to those that lost their lives during the war and later on through PTSD.

[@chrisquinn4712]

Lest we forget!!!

[@SteveCerezo]

Friend of mine fought in Vietnam.He died a few years after coming home to Australia.Saving school kids on a train crash on their way home.Some people are HEROS. RIP Bernie.I miss you mate!!

[@bramba1953]

Anzac day (25th April) coming up so watch Eric Bogle "And the band played waltzing matilda". You may need to look up some of these for background that all us Aussies know but will help you understand all the references and I assure you it is all interesting. Good luck.

[@WhiteMisty]

I was 10 years old when this song came out in Australia in 1983. I was a child from immigrant parents who where born in Croatia. I found this song so harrowing and even when I'd hear it as a teenager it would move me. Every time I hear this track it moves me and the way Vietnam vets have been treated is disgraceful. I feel lucky that I was born in Australia. My dad saw a lot of traumatising things because of war in his homeland.

[@paulschmehl2124]

We should never discount what the victims of war have gone through. They, just like the veterans, often suffer from PTSD from the trauma that they have been forced to endure.

[@R0d_1984]

I'm a few years older (High school - Liverpool, Aust), had a friend who was from Bosnia-Herzegovina ;D

[@WhiteMisty]

I grew up in Granville- war is extremely traumatic for everyone and effects generations

[@rosalynmoyle3766]

That sir, is the real I was only 19. This is an aussie song and means a lot to us.

[@paulschmehl2124]

I have learned that from my many Aussie viewers.

[@ianlloyd1182]

Yes, and when they came home they were treated abysmally by those who had no idea what they had been through. It took many years and far, far too long for Australia to acknowledge the wrong that was done to those who returned. I get goosebumps every time I hear this song and think of those who never came home to Oz again and for many of those who did life was never ever the same again.

[@slatibaadfast]

Fortunately I missed conscription by two months when Whitlam ended Australia's involvement. I was absolutely disgusted in my fellow Australians because of their reaction to the returning soldiers. I had family that returned (thankfully) and they too were disgusted. At least finally those men AND women were finally acknowledged. Alas, after too many had ended their lives.

[@KT-ki2nv]

My Dad served in Malaysia and later in Vietnam. When he came back home to Australia he was never the same.

[@infin8ee]

Mine too. And Korea. RIP. Lest we forget.

[@sdev2749]

I am an Aussie and when this war was on I was only a young boy about 7-8 years old. I lived right next to the Enoggera Army Base in Brisbane. I remember so many times hearing the roar of APC's and other heavy vehicle convoys going down the main street either coming back to base or leaving for war. The unit here was the 6th Battalion of the RAR. The hero's of the battle of Long Tan. These memories are embedded in me now all these years later. I will never forget.

[@R0d_1984]

Been to Enoggera, knew a Major there...

[@EarleyDaysYet]

My dad’s a Vietnam vet - he was a recce chopper pilot with 6RAR and later seconded to work with the American pilots. One of his worst PTSD triggers was providing air support to a Kiwi squad who were led into a minefield by an ARVN plant. The damage was horrific. He can’t listen to this song without weeping.

[@utha2665]

I'm a liberal and I saw the spitting and horrific way the troops were treated when they returned, I would never try and say it never happened and I know there are people out there that don't believe it happened and I hold nothing but contempt for how these boys were treated. I can understand people being unhappy with the government for having troops in there and they have every right to protest, but NEVER, EVER take that anger and frustration out on the troops that were, in many cases, conscripted to go there. Redgum released the song in 1982 and is the story of the singer's brother in law. There are some interesting words that you may not have understood in the song, I'll list them in verse order. - Puckapunyal was the recruit training facility - drew the card - is a reference to volunteering to go to Vietnam. Mick Storen, the brother in law, had already completed basic training and the Australian Army were asking for volunteers, they each drew a card and the highest was chosen. - Canungra - Jungle warfare training - Shoalwater Bay was used as a field training are. It's about 500,000 hectares, or a 1.1 million acres in size situated on the Queensland coast about 150km north of Rockhampton. - Townsville in far north Queensland was the port they left for Vietnam from. - SLR (Self Loading Rifle) was the L1A1, or FAL as it was more known in the US. A 7.62mm rifle that was standard issue up until 1992, it started being replaced in the late 80s by the Steyr F88. - Slouch Hat is the flat brimmed hat, made from rabbit fur felt. The slouch refers to the sloping brim and the left side is turned up traditionally now as when a .303 was at slope arms, the rifle would hit the brim. - The reference to "I was only 19" was not only Mick Storen's age when he went to Vietnam, it was the reported average age of troops serving. - VB is a brand of Australian beer, Victoria Bitter. - Tinnies is a slang term for beers - ANZAC is an acronym for Australian & New Zealand Army Corps which was formed in WW1. We commemorate ANZAC Day every April 25th and is the same as America's Veteran's Day. I was too young for Vietnam, it was my Father's generation that fought there, luckily he never had is number called, but we know of people that served, my field hockey coach in juniors was a Vietnam Vet, he suffered quite a bit with PTSD, which a lot of this song represents. There is a lot written about this song and what it did for the Australian community and how the government, less than 12 months after its release had issued an apology and held a ticker tape parade through Sydney thanking the Vietnam Vets for their service.

[@paulschmehl2124]

Thanks. You're absolutely right. Never blame the troops for what the politicians did. You filled in a lot of details. Thank you for that. Some I knew. A lot I didn't. I have the utmost respect for the Aussies who fought in Vietnam. They were tough and tenacious and stood their ground, sometimes against frightening odds. Makes you wonder, doesn't it? How is it that vets of a war, thousands of miles away in different countries, get treated exactly the same way? It's almost as if an invisible force was working behind the scenes to influence the entire world.

[@utha2665]

​@@paulschmehl2124 You're welcome, it's always nice to get some recognition for our troops, they deserve it, what can I say? As for some secret, mysterious force at play, there's a lot we don't know and that leads to speculation, it's human nature. But it does seem there are very powerful people at play here influencing what happens globally. Troops being treated poorly while it may seem there was coordination could be just pacifists disagreeing with the war and seeing reports of atrocities coming out via the media. It's unfortunate, there are people that can't think critically and see that that a very tiny minority are committing war crimes but does not mean everyone is doing it. It's a bit like pro-lifers calling pro-choice people baby killers, it just isn't true. That is an entirely different argument.

[@TheKrispyfort]

SLR also refers to Single Lens Reflex camera. There were a few soldiers that took their cameras with them. It's probably referring to both

[@utha2665]

@@TheKrispyfort I doubt that very much, I know SLR is a camera, but I have never heard John Schumann, lead singer of Redgum mention that in any of his interviews where he explains the lyrics.

[@adrianhempfing2042]

​@TheKrispyfort SLR self loading rifle. Most likely . Aussies didn't have a M16 like the USA

[@jemxs]

Such a powerful song, this is my favourite version, there is a newer video version..but this is the best. Another excellent song describing the horror of WW1 and all wars really is Eric Bogle's And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda. Very graphic, but very important.

[@stanleywiggins5047]

I'm an almost 66 year young Aussie, naturally too young to have been there. Back in the 80s I spent some time in the company of a Vietnam Vet (an SAS Sargent Magor) he payed me a complement (at the time I didn't think was a complement) he said he wished I was with him in Nam, because he believed that I would have watched his back & made sure he got home. A scarry complement for someone who was 10 in 1968.

[@paulschmehl2124]

He saw that you had character. Vets won't trust their life to someone they don't trust completely.

[@ookekklibarianbornagain6708]

stanleywiggins5047, you must know or heard of my better half's godfather, Lieutenant Colonel John Murphy MC and his best mate Lieutenant Derry Patrick Barry?

[@sarahbass6116]

I’m an Aussie too and was a young adult during the Vietnam War, with the constant fear my brother would be conscripted. This song went straight my heart. I was humbled when I saw the return of the last war dead from Vietnam. I cried when I saw the funeral cars driving past me on Parramatta Road.

[@brendoncrofts6714]

Cheers for your service you old diamond 👊 this song is timeless and doesn't need rap to promote to younger generation

[@squiddly-diddly]

Here in NZ and Ozzy we've had ANZAC day yesterday....look it up....as one vet poignantly said..." We're standing here today because many many aren't".

[@craigrobinson8039]

I like how you let the whole song play. No stop and start.

[@seonaelizabethcoster8465]

It takes about 2.5 seconds of hearing this song start before I'm bawling. It hits my heart everytime. My grandfather was a Vietnam Veteran. He was a career Australian Air Force man, and got posted there when my mother (#5 of 6 at that point; my youngest uncle was born while they were over there) was a young girl. My mother's eldest brother was a teenager at the time. One of my Grandfather's duties was the repatriation of Australia's dead soldiers, boys only a few years older than his eldest son. It destroyed him, as no-one would (now)be surprised. He was there for 3 or 4 years. One of the few things he ever told my mum was how the RAAF base was nectar to the US air force base, and when the planes came back to base after dropping Agent Orange/etc, they'd dump the last dregs over both bases. He was never the same, and DEFINITELY had PTSD, but got 0 support when he returned to Australia. He was abandoned by our government, but the Returned Service League (RSL), and was forbidden to match in the ANZAC Day parade. He DIED before Vietnam Vets were ALLOWED to march.

[@paulschmehl2124]

This sad story has been repeated, in both Australia and America, far too many times. It's disgusting, and thank God that Iraq and Afghanistan vets were not treated this way.

[@seonaelizabethcoster8465]

@paulschmehl2124 our Vietnam Vets have made sure of that. I member reading the memoir of Governor General Peter Cosgrove, himself a Vietnam vet. He told a story of him and his team coming back after Peace Keeping in Timor Leste in 2001 (I think???). Their ship arrived in Darwin after midnight, to be greeted by a group of Vietnam Veterans. They decided, after their treatment upon returning from Vietnam, that no soldiers would ever come home un-welcomed and un-wanted.

[@goldenchild4835]

Thankfully I was still in high school when Australia withdrew from Vietnam in '73, though a number of friends still have their call-up papers. My father served in Australia and New Guinea in WW2, along with several uncles and aunts. A great uncle, who served in Gallipoli in 1915 and the Western Front until 1918 is in an Australian war grave in Scotland and two of my great grandfathers served in the military; one a cavalry man and the other a member of the Black Watch and there are cousins and a newphew currently serving. What very few of these stories tell is the impact on the families, because it can roll down the generations. My great uncle died just months short of the WW1 armistice, his eldest son, a young boy, died just two months after his father and his youngest son died while serving as a Capt in WW2 in 1943, leaving his two young children behind. My great aunt never remarried and lived out her life as a war widow. Every time I visited her (before she died in the early '60s), you could feel the heaviness in her heart. The serviceman's story is just one part of the tragedy of war.

[@paulschmehl2124]

So true.

[@tonym7194]

Non-Australians would not know the Australian references...VB (beer), Puckapunyal (Defence base in Victoria, Australia), Channel 7, ANZAC, etc. This song is a masterpiece and has gone 3 times Platinum in Australia. No 1 in 1983...

[@Aaron_Hanson]

Cheers bloke 🍻🍻🍻🇦🇺 Saved me a shit tonne of typing 👍

[@musicalneptunian]

To add to that. "Cadets" mentioned means programs where 14 and older kids sometimes do military/outdoor training, sometimes involving a 1-2 week camp at somewhere like Puckapunyal Defence Force Base. For someone American think of it like your ROTC program. Interestingly in the bathrooms/showers at Puckapunyal you can see graffiti messages on walls about battles in the Vietnam like the Battle of Long Tan. When he says "a long way from Cadets" he is thinking of it being so different aged to 19 to what he thought about in Cadets aged 14/15.

[@lindalee-brown5539]

The impact on this man of this song shows how real it is. It's a song that catches your undivided attention. It's very touching and sad.

[@Alex.The.Lionnnnn]

I'm sure this is an emotional one for a bloke who had the "privilege" of going to the shit show that was Vietnam. Lots of love and respect from Australia. ❤ Ok I just realised what you said, and that you didn't serve a combat role. Dude I'm 42 and haven't served in any army, but this song gives me tears.

[@paulschmehl2124]

It is emotional for me, but not because I served in Vietnam. I didn't. My cousin was killed there. And Ihave many close friends who were in combat there and have told me about their experiences.

[@matthewbrown6163]

What a tribute to the combined military services. My old mate now in his 70's was a Vietnam Vet & he still had flashbacks. Whilst he hears this song he begins to tear up as it was the best way for him to deal with the trauma of his time there. He would tell me of all the "blues" he had with the American Soldiers but on the battle fields they were all there together as one.

[@johncarr950]

I served in 67-69 (9th callup) and included Nam as one of the places I served in as radio op with 104 Sig Sqdn and lost two mates out of the 521 killed, one a school buddy who was in the same unit and a hut mate from our “Pucker” (Pukerpunyal) days at boot training. I’m now 77 but still remember how angry I was when returning home to be treated with such bitterness and sadly being told by the RSL that it wasn’t really a war. I went to the reunion in 1985 which was received by most as a thanks for the service given but when it comes to recognition of that same service from the government it’s like one needs to prove beyond all doubt that we were there. I’m still in touch with a few that served over there and talk with one guy about our time in the “funny farm”. Those days are very personal and the sound of a helo does bring chills even after working in aviation for over 50yrs, after getting out of the army. I still work as an aviation consultant in the ME, it’s a great industry when everything is going right. This song is so true for the many that joined or were conscripted into the army and I’m lucky to say that I was the last in the lineage to serve, my Grandfather was in WW1, my Father was in WW2 and then myself, all the oldest sons of their generation and did return home. May the meaning of ANZAC DAY not be lost on future generations and I have the deepest respect for those that decide to serve the country in any of the armed forces and wish you a safe return home from all deployments.

[@adrianhempfing2042]

How can it not be a war . Sent by government. Fighting another group. Many people injured , traumatised , deceased :-( Anzac day juat gone , the Tv commentators noted many young people , cadets were involved

[@narellecruickshank6919]

Veitnam first TV war. My first boyfriend was a returning conscript from Vietnam. I'm Australia 🇦🇺, he never talked about his experiences except when he had a few beers. My uncle was conscripted to Korea. I remember when I was about 5yrs old.

[@travisgotch161]

My dad was a “Nasho” from 1968-69. He has always been a cheerful bloke and easy going. As kids we only had to quiet for two songs. “I was only nineteen” and “Leaving on a jet plane”. The first for obvious reasons the latter because this was the song the cabin crew played as they took off from Tan Son Nhat airport in 1969

[@lorraine1959]

Brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it.

[@NPC-fl3gq]

Thanks to the americans who were willing to swap cartons of VB for mini-guns so our boys could insert/dust-off with adequate top-cover. Fair trade😂

[@cassandramawbey9122]

Makes me cry every time I hear it

[@davidcruse6589]

It should be the leader fighting each others Unfortunately soldiers are sacrificial lambs Being sent to be slaughtered and to slaughter My uncle fought there and we only herd bits a piece's They where treated just as bad here in Australia 🇦🇺 as well But what hurt him the most is the government's denial and rsl not acknowledging them As they where sent over as policing action not classified as a war so not eligible to any benefits Took decades to get some of those and their still fighting today for other things medical they require Unfortunately most who have made it back haven't lasted long due to illness as you herd in song He was dead in early 50s and couldn't get to see a few of his mates in another state that was left from his battalion Less then a hand full a live at the time most died of unusual cancer and diseases He had discs in his back crumble they operated on them and incased them Then he got cancer about decade later died week after finding out he had it He now can RIP Was able to work and function during the day but night time was when issue's sleeping So to anyone who been to war Id just like to say thank you for everything you did for us and the sacrifice and devastation you endured As you put we can understand what happened but not what they went and still going through as we didn't live it We have a day called anzac day 25 april when all soldiers pay their respect to their fallen brothers and sisters Then they march the main streets of every city and its a public holiday and the streets are lined with public showing respect to them all Just about every family in Australia 🇦🇺 has lost someone in their family in one of the wars In my family history 3 now 2 made it home one didn't and rhis would be common in most families here Why we teach our kids the importance of anzac day it stands for A - Australia N - New Z - Zealand A - army C - core No winners in wars and civilians generally pay the price as much Look at Ukraine Russia Israel hammas all through Europe wars Cheers mate 🦘🇦🇺👍

[@paulschmehl2124]

Thank you for sharing. You're absolutely spot on.

[@elizabeth10392]

My brother in law was Divloc in Vietnam -Division Location - that meant he went behind enemy lines to set up communications. He was hit with Agent Orange twice. My brother was a sapper on the Mekong Delta. He was hit with very heavy duty insecticide. It ruined his lungs. Neither of them were ever the same again. ( As for the "baby killer" comment, I still have newspapers with photos of the Mai Lai massacre). "Frankie kicked a mine the day hat mankind kicked the moon" is the most powerful line in the song for me. "He was going home in June"......mankind kicked the moon in July. Frankie should have already been home, not kicking a mine. War sucks 😢

[@paulschmehl2124]

I'd bet you don't have pictures of the Hue Massacre. The communists murdered 10 times as many people in that one, but the news didn't bother to report communist massacres.

[@Sweetlyfe]

@@paulschmehl2124Anyone committing massacres are bad, you get them in every war by every country involved, because essentially humans are all the same, and some people don’t have qualms about doing it, they’re the ones that don’t suffer from PTSD. Militaries get young men to kill other young men by dehumanising the enemy and so I can understand how people can succumb to that especially if they’ve just lost their best mate. I’m an Aussie and my Grandfather fought in Gallipoli in Turkey and in the Somme in France, there wasn’t conscription here except for the Vietnam war and never again. But he only survived because he served infantry with his brother and they dug each other out of trench collapses, they signed up when it first started and came back at the end. My Grandfather had been mustard gassed and one of his lungs was not very good, but he was lucky as it didn’t blind him,or completely incapacitate him, as he went back to the front. When he got home he wrote a letter to the AIF (Australian Imperial Force) as it was in his military file, he sent his medals back and said he didn’t want medals for killing young men like himself, he also experienced the Christmas truce which happened organically with the Australians, New Zealanders which is what an ANZAC means . They called a truce and met in no man’s land and shared cigarettes and alcohol and sang Christmas carols, and showed photos of their loved one’s. Then they went back to trying to kill each other the next day. My Grandfather never went to an ANZAC day March (April 25th). But he taught my uncle’s (who fought in the 2nd WW in Bomber, my Dad was too young) and Auntie’s and my Dad to always help someone out who is less fortunate than yourself even though he was working class, and it was passed down to all my Cousin’s and I the majority of us have worked in community services, myself I have spent 35yrs working with vulnerable people, in Mental Health, drug & alcohol services, homeless services, youth work, disability, I work in mental health right now outreach so not in an office but with the people in their homes. I only knew my Grandfather until I was 13 as I’m the youngest grandchild, I’m grateful he and his brother came home together and had each other to talk to about what happened to them, I’m also grateful that he found solace in helping people. I can’t imagine the hell he went through and how he managed to keep his sanity. I enjoyed your commentary and I could see you were moved by the song I remember when it came out. War is a terrible thing for everyone fighting in it, because they didn’t start it, governments make those decisions, but I also know as long as mankind has been around we have fought each other for resources or self defence in protecting their people. It would be good if we stopped doing that to young men, a good friend of mine just lost her son to PTSD he served in Afghanistan, she blames herself for encouraging him to enlist as she has an older son who enlisted too. Our defence forces all need to prioritise helping returned servicemen and women a lot better, because none of our countries do a good job at that, and that is very very wrong. Wishing you all the best.

[@paulschmehl2124]

@@Sweetlyfe You couldn’t possibly be more right. One thing I would point out, however. When Aussies or Americans committed atrocities, they were an aberration. With the North Vietnamese communists, it was official policy, as I have documented in my article on the Hue massacre.

[@payres48]

This song is an anthem for Australians. I can't even imagine a rap version. It certainly couldn't express the message of the song.

[@adammclennan2627]

Love this song. You are a Legend also. Cheers from Tasmania (Island state of Australia)

[@ingleton20]

I had three brothers of conscription age during Vietnam war. The ball dropped for two but call up was deferred. My Dad was a WWII vet served in New Guinea, a signalman. My GFather served in both Gallipoli & Palestine. They both survived but not without health consequences. My Dad left the RSL because of the attitude of other RSL members who would gladly send their sons to Vietnam - he didn’t agree having had war experience. I am very proud of Dad and his father, but absolutely respect my father for not wanting his sons to go Vietnam. Also, he had no desire to retrace his father’s steps in Gallipoli, or to walk the Kokoda - he could not see the point in glorifying the tragedy or people making money from it. It was hell on earth and walking the track doesn’t touch the horror of Kokoda.

[@ianlloyd1182]

Thanks Brother, Blessings from Australia.

[@brettpeacock9116]

There is an Australian Made movie called "Danger Close - The Battle of Long Tan" it is a true story with only minor changes for the film over the actual events. The close in artillery Suppport for the Aussies was a Battery of Kiwis using WW2 era 25 pounders (British Guns) and a second battery of US Army artillery, a bit further away. The Australian Troops were heavily outnumbered,(at least 20 to 1) but held off the enemy for hours, until help arrived. One notable fact, not really stated in the Movie, is that after that battle the VC and NVA avoided large-scale aggressive contact with the Aussies unless abolutely necessary.

[@paulschmehl2124]

I am aware of that movie. I have not yet watched it.

[@robynotway9430]

Another Aussie here - song doesn't fail to break my heart. One of the facts I learnt recently from this song, is that the comment about Frankie "going home in June" was a political comment about the fact that many Aussie soldiers were overdue to return home - noting that man walked on the moon on 21 July! Thank you for your service and an interesting channel.

[@paulschmehl2124]

I've heard several explanations for the discrepancy. Yours is by far the most compelling one.

[@fionabunn5316]

As an Aussie I thank you for playing this song. Too hear from you about Vietnam 🇻🇳 and the experiences these guys went through. The way the soldiers were treated is appalling. We had a Vietnam Veteran/singer named Normie Rowe who eventually had the Vietnam Veterans allowed to March in the Anzac day March where we as citizens get to say thank you. 🇦🇺🇱🇷

[@paulschmehl2124]

It was no better in America. We vets weren't honored until the 90s, and even now there are plenty who disrespect us.

[@nulse55]

Your loss for words said it all mate. The words you finally spoke, were all profound. I never fought in any war, missed being drafted because I was a child. But this song brings tears to my eyes every time. Not just for the unimaginable horrors of war, but for how our governments treat our Veterans. I have some understanding why our returned soldiers have such difficulty re-assimilating into society. Salute and Respect to all our Vets and those serving. Aussie.

[@karentony3397]

Thank you. Great reaction! Luv from Australia ❤️🎼❤️🎼❤️

[@karenstark-os3gj]

A very big hats off to this Aussie band Redgum for I Was Only 19. Bloody good song. But bloody big hands up to all the past war vets who went to war.

[@alisonfaruk3329]

This makes me cry every time.. our lads did what they had to, bless them, bless all our Diggers. John is still active in local issues.. an amazing man.

[@tasselskeep3385]

Thank you Sir RIP Daddy 💜

[@cassandrahalliwell5273]

As an Aussie & and veteran, this song should never ever be played in a rap version.

[@keithdevine8281]

I agree I'm a vietnam veteran conscript RAE sapper the rapp version leaves me disgusted.

[@TheKrispyfort]

Thank you and noted

[@johnand77171]

Bless you my brother from Australia

[@user-xe4ur2mb7v]

Thank you for your honest critique and thank you for your service.

[@Tanvaras]

Thank you for playing that song without stopping it part way and speaking. Lost my uncle (Chopper pilot) in 1969 in Vietnam. You sir have my respect!

[@westcoastfireafc]

This song means so much to so many, I was lucky enough to have a ranger leader who was a Soldier in Vietnam and he would tell us stories and show us photos he had taken, I also treated and transported Vietnam soldiers who would recount stories of their experiences in Vietnam. 😊

[@anthonysharpe5104]

I’m Australian living in Queensland and I have a friend named Bob. I see him at a couple of times a week at the gym. He fought in Vietnam and he has suffered a lot from mental health issues because of it. He has shared some stories from that time with me. He lives on his own and has no real family connections left. He battled with alcoholism but has not touched a drop in over 20 years. Happily he is still quite physically fit and well and goes to the gym five days a week. It is a good way for him to feel connected to his community as well as keeping him healthy.

[@liverpool6058]

This felt like sitting down and listening to my pa's stories by the woodstove. I miss you pa.

[@nedkelly9688]

The song was written from the story his brother inlaw told him of his time in Vietnam. Frankie was his mate who stood on a mine not far from him and reference to the moon landing is because while waiting for evac for Frankie the choppers took their time as were watching the moon landing back at base.

[@user-ld7yp3mg6m]

When i was little i hated the RSL because of the way they treated the vets. In 2011 we had bad floods & i know of one poor man who spent the whole emergency on his kitchen floor. I wish i could of helped him. My dad didn't go to Vietnam, he was in Burma in WW2 though. Came home with malaria.

[@gregorturner4753]

this song also really well illustrates the impact of ptsd on soldiers post combat.

[@SOUTHAUSSIEGUY]

The singer, John Schumann was my school teacher at Marion High in 1979, greets from down under.

[@arokh72]

I played this on my 19th birthday, in 1992, and was grateful I wasn't being sent off to war, unlike may father (who, fortunately, was deemed medically unfit being blind in one eye), grandfather (WW2) or great grandfather (WW1).

[@1735099]

As a member of 7RAR (2nd tour - 1970) I tried to forget about Vietnam when I came home. It took me fifteen years to begin to come to terms with the experience, and this song helped with that. It also began to upend the attitude of indifference that most Australians held about the war, as did the 1987 Welcome Home march. Never before, never since, and never again.

[@stuarthickson6103]

It was released in 1984. I have a copy of the 7" single. Redgum were a left / socialist band.

[@dramoth64]

This song always brings tears to my eyes. I had a cousin who servied in Vietnam. Every Australian knows the words to this song. It's part of our psyche along with the song by Cold Chisel "Khe Sanh".

[@TheKrispyfort]

The Aussie Vietnam Veterans wrte brought back quietly, told to grow out their hair, and not tell anyone who didn't need to know that they'd served. Had someone from the ADF share that historical tidbit with me.

[@paulschmehl2124]

It was the same way in the US.

[@airbrushken5339]

Actually it was after the Vietnam War ... I'm an American Vietnam Combat Veteran (2/502 Infantry, 101st Airborne). After 9 years US Army I was offered a position as a Teacher in Australia in 1979. I was at the Sydney Entertainment Centre when Red Gum performed this song for a group of Vets ... My Australian VN Veteran Brothers. It meant everything to them. Those Australian Patriots were treated so badly by not only the Australian Government, but many of the public. Sadly the effects of agent orange (Dioxin Poisoning) took most of their lives, as the average of an Australian VN Vet ended at 57 years. I so miss those brothers.

[@glenwalling7314]

I was 6 years old when our diggers game home from Vietnam, I can still remember hearing my mum saying "Thank God our boys are coming home" I didn't even know we were at war with anyone. I have two uncles that were Nasho's (National Service Men- conscripts). One served in Vietnam the other was much luckier and didn't end up going. I saw what Uncle Ron went and still is going through. I have always seen these men as heros like all of our diggers though they don't see themselves that way. I cried the first time I heard it and it still chokes me up. We treated out vets badly when they came home and I feel for them. Lest We Forget.

[@moonsharn]

This song makes me cry every single time.

[@allangoodger969]

ANZAC day coming up soon as the days get cooler, lest we remember them.

[@sandgroperwookiee65]

I think you mean... We will remember them. Lest we forget. ✌️

[@TheKrispyfort]

Lest we forget 🌅🌄

[@balianofibelin1]

Amen We Will Remember Them. Last We Forget 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@dangermouse3619]

I'm watching this on ANZAC Day. To all the ANZACS out there. 👍