SABATON - Soldier Of Heaven - OldSkuleNerd Reaction and Dedication

[@joshuaturcotte6724]

Soldier of Heaven is specifically targeting soldiers who fought in the bitter cold, the incident "White Friday" where a garrison of soldiers were wiped out cause of a Avalanche. I believe its not fair that people weren't recorded. I fully thank all who serve, all who served with, and many of the above who's done well, possibly fell in battle, or otherwise have gone threw hellish missions and never got a "Thank you". I get to see a lot of veterans and they are shocked to get a simple thanks for there service (Some from different armies, some from different branches, some from current serving: Honor to all who are willing to do the right things, or believe they are doing the best for there people in the correct circumstances). Honor to the living, Remember the fallen and Honor there memory, and make sure to check and learn from these soldiers. Regardless of what people think, Soldiers tend to get tech that's not really available to the public, and when its mainstream in civilian life its when there time in the service is over. I've learned much from these Veterans and appreciate the help that they give. They forever serve in there knowledge, while they also have a heart of gold for there experiences. To you OldSkuleNerd, I thank you as well, you share your experiences and knowledge with us. Thank you for your great deeds, and thanks for your service! May you always shine bright and wish nothing but the best for your new year!

[@OldSkuleNerd]

Thank you for your amazing words and thoughts…. Blessings to you and yours

[@fecciargento5102]

Unfortunately it was not just one garrison. There were many avalanches in those days, some of them caused by the artillery, other caused by weather conditions (many days of snow followed by rising temperatures and rain). There were many victims on both sides of the contenders. Most of the bodies has never been found.

[@joshuaturcotte6724]

Thank you for correcting that. I will leave the mistake up there cause you deserve credit for catching that mistake. All of them deserve memorial!

[@olivierdubreuil-gagnon2201]

@@joshuaturcotte6724 I think the problem isn’t so much whether or not they DESERVE it, but rather that no one can IDENTIFY who were there. Like they may have a good idea, but until the bodies are recovered they’re anonymous. And even then, sometimes after they remain unknown. We want to honour them properly, but we can’t do that the way they deserve without knowing who died, who survived, or anything else.

[@cjthenarhwalking1378]

the casualties were estimated to be around 10 thousand soldiers and civilians.

[@travisnoffsinger1703]

Christmas Truce and now Soldier of Heaven… the new album has the makings of a very, very strong work for Sabaton. Great song. Great reaction! 👍🏻

[@vinteren4734]

To be fair , all their albums are very strong

[@miafranlund6982]

It's a heartfelt story that you told, thank you for sharing. As you said, this is a very good song and I thank Sabaton for doing what they do so good. White friday occurred on the Italian front in WWI. An avalanche struck Austrian and Hungarian barracks on Mount Marmolada killing 270 soldiers. Other avalanches the same day struck Italian and other Austro-Hungarian positions, killing hundreds. Some say both sides deliberately fired shells into the weakened snowpacks in an attempt to bury the other side.

[@Silverized84]

the 270 H-U where only the beginnings, sadly

[@KillerChrono666]

@@Silverized84 Yea, when you read about it, they can only estimate between 2,000 and 10,000 people not just soldiers but civilians too, died.

[@detroitpolak9904]

I think they show WWII fighters to mark the time he’s been up there; 25-30 years, even to this day. I have seen it all but none will hear my story. Sabaton doesn’t make mistakes like that. Or because it looked badass pulling up behind Hannes. Either way I’m good.

[@neoxperson7858]

On December 13th, 1916 at 5 AM, known as White Friday, a series of avalanches hit both Austro Hungarian and Italian barracks and basically buried them with everyone inside. People reported afterwards that both Austro Hungarian and Italian troops fired artillery at the loose snow on the mountains to cause avalanches on each other's side. The total death toll is unknown, but approximately 2000 soldiers died and a dozen civilians. Many of the bodies were never found. Some are being found nowadays with the ice on the mountains melting more and more due to climate change.

[@blackfangex6813]

In the aftermath of White Friday, 10,000 soldiers on all sides were killed in December from avalanches. Altogether, it constituted the greatest number of deaths caused by snow/ice debris from avalanches in history. When including all avalanche-related deaths (this includes mud and rock slides triggered subsequently by an avalanche), White Friday is the second-worst avalanche-related disaster recorded, after the 1970 Huascarán avalanche. Source: Wikipedia

[@mousajaffrah8958]

@@blackfangex6813 thats 10,000 in total or on each side?

[@JB20232]

@@mousajaffrah8958 I think in total

[@mousajaffrah8958]

@@JB20232 thats still alot damn on the other side this is one hell of a song

[@Silverized84]

blood mountain is what was called "col di lana" mountain in the dolomites. It's around 2500 meters now, after mines cut it's top. Lot of people from both sides died on that mountain from bullets, explosions, cold and falls

[@dcohen1359]

Lest we forget. Absolutely beautiful song.

[@nunogarces1628]

I personally never served in the military but I have a profound respect for those that did. Awesome reaction. Amazing story that you shared. Thank you Richard

[@darthshrek1]

I always try to put these names in when in memorial for those who died in war. My grandfather knew these men and witnessed their death in POW camps in WWII Japan. R.I.P. Lonnie Riddle, Civilian, Ray K Hodgkins, Seamn 2/c, USN - C.W. Bucher, Cpl, USMC.

[@Schneter]

Youre a good man

[@Nem01]

Wow, you can feel so privileged to have had this man as an instructor. Salute to him.

[@estherbartholdy]

Great reaction. I am german but I salute all the soldiers of this world. I hope there will be a time when the world will not need soldiers any more. No frontiers, no "wrong" religions, no different colors. I am to old to witness it but I pray my children or grandchildren will. I salute you, thank you for your service, no matter where you are.

[@commandershepard5450]

Germany has had a long history of fielding excellent soldiers. Obviously there’s a very dark portion of that history but it doesn’t taint the rest of your country’s esteemed history.

[@alyssadraculesti]

Every song they have done recently is made with 111 pounds of onions

[@Schneter]

The white Friday, where up to 5000 soldiers were killed in numerous avalanches, is part of this song. Many Italian and Austro-Hungarian men died that day

[@moniquevanaken2638]

In my country, the Netherlands, are still thousands of unknown WWII m/f soldiers buried. A group of forensic analists are trying desperately by means of DNA to trace their families as time is running out because the longer it takes the more difficult it becomes to get a match as close relatives are also dying. And there is also the problem with some countries (especially the UK) that prohibit the opening of the graves and that is so sad for the families who gave their DNA samples hoping of a closure. Although it is not what you meant by not knowing what those soldiers did (specials ops) but those brave unknown men and women deserve to have a name and recogntion. There is also a Dutch group of volunteers who trace the families of the known fallen soldiers. If they find the families, who are sooo grateful, they are given photo's which are placed by the tombstones/crosses so that the soldiers not only have a name but also a face and that is quite emotional!

[@wandapease-gi8yo]

As a history Nerd for most of my 77 years I never knew about this World War Front until recent glacier melts in the mountains began to expose this and the archeology. This and the Sabaton History Channel explanation of this Song. The history of Blood Mountain and White Friday is amazing!

[@leechowning2712]

At the USS Alabama monument, where the retired battleship sits in Mobile AL, there is also one of our US submarines from the second world war. Beside it there is a list of boats still on patrol. Those submarines are ones who never returned from operations. The Navy keeps those boats listed because their souls still are out there, continuing the missions they began. These soldiers, of which they never recovered even half the bodies, are still standing guard on that bloody mountain. And I am glad we have Sabaton, because more than half the stories they tell are ones only a military history nerd would know... and they deserve to be remembered.

[@mushinbujin]

"Wow. This is gonna be some easy listening." -famous last words

[@vegvisir9276]

Not the Alps but my great Grandfather died out in the wilds in Norway somewhere, went out and never came back, i can only guess his body is still out there somewhere, unless some kind person found him and buried him.

[@Nem01]

I like story / history time with you @OldSkuleNerd. Thanks for sharing the story of your coach.

[@PlanetaryDefense]

Well now you have to watch Sabaton's Soldier of 3 Armies. It ties in to the story you told about volunteering for dangerous missions and the Vietnam war. That soldier did make it home, eventually.

[@Nem01]

On his mother's funeral my father received an old letter his father had written to his family around Christmas sometime when he was in WWII. He came back after the war years later. Amongst other hardships like Stalingrad he was held in the 'Rain wiesen'. My father's uncle came home nearly 9 or 10 years after the war ended because he was a prisoner of war.

[@fredbarnes2600]

The thing that impressed me most about Sabaton is the genuine respect they have for the military in general. The story you told was great too. Great Reaction!

[@susanlathrop234]

Thank you OSN for your service. The story of your friend made me cry. This song is beautiful.

[@brianfuller757]

The mountain warfare in WW1 between Austria and Italy was brutal and many troopers never made it back. They still find remains today.

[@Dante6692]

To all soldiers lost who have stories never told the hall of warriors in valhalla will listen and revel in them. Skål mighty Drengrs

[@DotHackerKite94]

What a fucking hero that man was. A true legend. Thats all i can say.

[@michaeld.uchiha9084]

One of my great grandads died in Russia 1944. No one knows where his body lies. So his grave in our village is empty only my great grandmother rest there since 1996. Sorry my english is not that good.😅

[@ahmanetbones9496]

You have better English than some Americans mate, keep learning and you'll only get better 😊👍

[@carro-xb9oz]

and they are still resting up there ..frozen in time.

[@jeremykershaw]

Thank you for your reaction and thank you for your service!

[@cy8ercat771]

This song reminds me of when i was a teenager i visited the Shiloh National Battlefield and there are multiple places there marked as the site of mass graves with unidentified soldiers buried there. The signs would just simply say 150 dead rebels or 250 dead rebels. Despite having fought for a terrible cause they were still fellow humans with hopes, dreams and families.

[@DakotaKid95]

o7 to Shane Bernard for his service and to you for yours and sharing his story. May we never forget the ones that keep us safe.

[@ChrisSymonds86]

The White Friday that gets said in the beginning of the chorus is in reference to a series if avalanches that struck Italy and surrounding areas in 1916, towards the end of WW 1. Hundreds were killed in the event, which is probably where the unknown soldier parts come in to it.

[@Prisoner..24601]

My grandpa on my mom's side was a POW in Korea for a few months. Luckily he came back but he has since passed. My uncle was a marine in desert storm and had just left the barracks when they blew up and had to turn around to help.

[@masqu666]

always in our thoughts never forgotten rest in peace all fallen heroes.

[@rokkraljkolesa9317]

"lest we forget"

[@nightshade7240]

Knowing the people I know who have done things they can't talk about under a variety of flags, this kind of song is so important. They are some of the best and the most brave people I have the honour of knowing. My favourite Sabaton song will always be ballad of Bull. An unassuming man who was an Aussie stretcher bearer, who never fired a shot but saved many under machine gun fire. He saved twelve men in one day going back into the machine gun fire twelve times to pull soldiers out who were wounded Americans. If I remember correctly the story didn't come out 'til after his death and he was awarded the US silver star. I believe it's also the only Sabaton song they haven't done live. Thank you for the story and for your service. My partner says there are few things in life more valuable than stories. They are right. Stories define the essence of what humans are, both the good and the bad.

[@tylerbuckley2092]

This song is about Blood mountain in the Italian army fighting in the mountains there was many avalanches plus fighting the Germans and the soldiers were not special forces but regular units that died either by Avalanches or gunfire these mountain ranges were very high up in altitude so imagine fighting the cold and thin air

[@OldSkuleNerd]

Amazing information THANK YOU I didn’t know that story will have to look it up

[@DanielSmith-rh9lt]

Thankyou sir. For everything. That goes to everyone fighting a war. Both internally and on the world. Love.

[@dangustafsson1806]

Wow. Deepest respect to you OSN. Not for the great reaction or the sabaton song, but for your fathers service and foremost YOU gave us 2 great war stories, about your father and the rescue soldier. Many have a story to tell and you shared yours in a splendid way. This is one of your best videos - respect to you and your father. Thank you - storyteller!

[@hallowedbeyourdays]

When I first heard that snippet/teaser, before I made out the words "White Friday", I thought based on the rest of the verses it was about John Chapman at the Battle of Takur Ghar. But that was not only a Monday, but it would have been horribly out of place in a Great War era-subject album. The events of course warrant their own song, but this was well earned tribute to the fallen all the same.

[@thedarcbird]

My grandmother's cousin was a pilot in the first world war. His plane was shot down. He bailed out but his parachute failed to open.

[@brittjannesath2539]

Epic and beautiful song. And thank you for sharing his story, a true hero. Awsome reaction, and thank you both for your service.

[@dandybus1582]

Came for the Sabaton reaction, stayed for the fascinating tale about the Tet Offensive. Incredible story, and thank you for sharing.

[@evagronlund1786]

I found out through my brother who's interested in genealogy that we have a lot of soldiers in our familys history and Sabaton has a song about a battle one of my ancestors was in, Killing Ground or Ett Slag Färgat Rött (the version I prefer) and that song is obviously a fave of mine. I really do like this new song and it's a great tribute to those whom basically was forgotten.

[@evagronlund1786]

@Michael Orme With what?

[@GetDougDimmadomed]

@@evagronlund1786 Genealogy or the history of your ancestor, I suppose.

[@evagronlund1786]

@@GetDougDimmadomed Well I already know both about that ancestor and it's an interesting story. But thanks anyway.

[@bjorngadd8647]

Booked my ticket to see them in Kalmar Sweden before the pandemic and now it has been moved forward again. Still I know it will be worth the wait to see them Live!

[@chrisviklund]

Great reaction. Love to hear your stories...

[@maulros]

damn man you took amazing intro for this man respect to you all unknown soldiers!

[@MrPotatoAim-hr7iu]

Very moving story. My uncle served in Vietnam as a Marine. He unfortunately was KAI/BNA until the end of the war.

[@kristofferjakobsen8337]

We have many ww2 graves here inn Narvik, norway many of them are also to the uknown soildiers of each nation that fougth during the battle of Narvik and later inn the war years

[@elzbietajukic905]

This is great story. Why don't you relate it to Sabaton. They look for stories just like this one. And Sabaton is an amazing band.

[@panzeriiiausfj6305]

The song based in the Italian alpine front Italy fighting against the Austria Hungary forces that hammer the Italians with howitzers the Italians where dug in tight and they bury the bodies in the alpine slops the war called White Friday

[@wandapease-gi8yo]

Thank you for your story!

[@swelix6475]

Best band

[@dirmusloner7963]

I am a Greek, and in my family I had persons served WWII that never came home. As you said OldSkulenerd no matter what flag anyone serves thanks for your service.v

[@morgana001]

OldSkuleNerd doing Nerd stuff. Love it. Keep up your nerding and lovely greetings from Germany.

[@maxviking3210]

I thibk you just told a story for a new Sabaton son. Send it to them 👍🏼🤘🏼

[@GetDougDimmadomed]

I'm still convinced that if we develop the tech to make access and extraction safer, we should bring as many of these boys home as possible. While we will never know their stories, their names should be known and remembered. Instead of funding future wars and sending more young boys to die, we should be using that money to bring the saviors of the past to rest in their own homeland instead of on top of an icy peak.

[@aaronleesgbclieutenant]

The man should have earned a distinguished service cross at the least. Hooah bro

[@anderseriksson6033]

Sabaton never stops amazing me. They throw out another epic song after the other. This one is really good. Thanks for a great reaction.

[@zombieholic]

The waterworks are in full effect! Such a beautiful but sad song!

[@undamaged1813]

Wars are decided by politics, Wars are won by the sacrifice of brave men and women, History is written by the victors. Sabaton tell the stories of the fallen and the hero's with respect and without bias

[@Torron79]

Thanks for the reaction and the intel you provide once again! tbh I need to re-listen a lot to this song - not growing on me as I wish...yet.

[@MrNick31007]

Thank you for Your Service OldSkuleNerd!! God Bless You and Your friend!!! Thank you for the reaction to this amazing song, and also for the stories you tell after listening to all the Sabaton Songs. Thank you Shane Bernard, and all the other Hero's that did and did not come back. God Bless all of you!!

[@oldmanwinter1405]

Fantasiс song and a great heartfelt review. Thank you.

[@vlinder6329]

Nice words Sir. 🌟✌️ SABATON..... My GOD they are good. The Video is so perfect. Beautiful words in this song... so EMOTIONAL 😢 Something we humans MUST NEVER FORGET. THESE BRAVE HEROES have fought for us 💙 Now there is a GRAF on a MOUNTAIN 🗻 ❄️🗻🕊 🏔️🙏 Thank You so much Love from the Netherlands ❤️ 🤍 💙 🇳🇱 🙋🏼‍♀️

[@Sannoz]

This song feels like a great mix in sound all from The Last stand, Sparta and more songs! I love it, abit like a Sabaton mash up from their history in sound

[@TonyMontanaCA]

Thank you Shane!

[@vakistania]

That 80s sound you are talking about takes cues from Italodisco, fitting since the video is about Italy! You can look up pretty much any italodisco song and you'll hear the synth arpeggios and the "never gonna give you up" electronic drums!

[@rokkraljkolesa9317]

huh, so like how To Hell And Back has the whistling of spaghetti western soundtracks, or Price of a Mile being like a marching song it's the little details like that that really make the songs feel unique

[@carinalundstrom7566]

I get a feeling of Judas Priest Turbo when hearing this

[@jankris4138]

i love your reactions ....there you go..new subscriber...

[@MagnetHero]

Great song. Great story. Thank you for sharing with us buddy

[@felixjohnson2734]

Thanks so much for the video! I usually ever cry or tear up while watching KZbin videos. But this one and your reaction on 5FDP song side of heaven made me tear up. Thanks you so much for the videos and keep up the great work

[@christophersims3319]

Man, Sabaton is at the top of their game right now

[@Highbrass-ub5pd]

They had to cancel the show in my city in sweden in january. It sucks! I Have watched them live before but that was about 6 years ago.

[@Nem01]

When we were sent into mission it was preferred we had no family so if we wouldn't come back there wouldn't any questions be asked.

[@Nem01]

In combat we witness, endure and do horrible things to stay alive and to defend and protect. And trying to not lose our humanity and our sanity during all of that.

[@fenrisulfur842]

Sir, you mentioned your Dad served in Vietnam. There is a Song from Sabaton, telling the Story of a GI just deployed and now on the first mission in the jungle. "Into the fire". Its an old song, not as melodic as the current songs, but rough and fast.....

[@thespectre3054]

You can see the Red Barons airplane in this music video.

[@ryantannar5301]

submit that story in as much detail as possible to Sabaton. They actively ask fans for stories like that. They have written songs because of stories fans told them in the past and will likely do so again.

[@tntfreddan3138]

My stepfathers grandfather fought in Norway against the Germans in WW2. After the war he lived in Sweden. One day, years after the war, two men in suits came by their home and asked for him. His wife told her son (My stepfathers father) to go get him since he was cutting trees in the forest. He came back with him and he said that they should go inside while he speak with them. They spoke for a few minutes before he got in the car with them and they never saw him nor heard from him again.

[@TheButterflyChaos]

Great reaction, and lovely to hear you tell the stories

[@ignorance112]

What an amazing story, so glad to have watched this and heard it.

[@Adam-TheBear4967]

Sabaton makes some of the most American songs I’ve ever heard

[@Murvelhund]

Great reaction, love the story.

[@Thescottishguyreacts]

You refer to the people on missions where top secrecy is involved and the people deploying the troops don’t want to let on they were involved for various reasons so therefore the families never find out

[@Nem01]

Salute to your instructor. I'm so sorry I think I didn't catch the name correct and I don't dare to butcher it.

[@lovrosedej7655]

Well its not quite the Battles of Isonzo but close enough to my homeland

[@coqui1955]

Welcome home and welcome back to all my vet homies- Desert Storm class of '91.

[@jessief5047]

Sabaton 🥰🤘🤘🤘🤘🙏

[@lionfromthenorth4580]

Great reaction and Thank you for telling the story of this amazing person! I'm also glad that Sabaton are bringing all these stories to life. This one (as well as "Christmas Truce") is very powerful, emotional and respectful to ALL the unknown heroes out there. I didn't participate in the live chat before the music video release, but I understand that there was a lot of bullshit going on... Some people should learn about diplomacy and neutrality. It's ok to celebrate the heroes of your country, but not taking over the anger against former enemies from the past generations.

[@TheBigsmoke123]

Your buddie didn't get a medal of honor at that hospital? Thats an incredible story

[@aaronleesgbclieutenant]

Here we GO

[@btlarsen]

very 80's. First ting on my mind too

[@donstewart2145]

My dad served he made it back but part of him was left behind not physically but mentally and things haunted him to to his dying day

[@NoMercy745]

I work at a mobile home parts retailer in SW Florida. On 1/6/22, a elderly man walked in wearing a purple heart cap. I helped him find what he was looking for and cashed him out. As I was doing so, I asked him about the cap. Turns out this man, who you wouldn't pick out of a crowd, was a former member of the 101st Airborne and had received the Purple Heart twice in Viet Nam. Not knowing what else to say or do, I gave the former Screaming Eagle his change and thanked him for his service. Who knows, he may have run into your father over there, OSN.

[@nitroxi247]

Oohh its such a good song

[@ShelbylunaMorgan]

Love this song.

[@fenrisulfur842]

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia White Friday occurred during the Italian Front of World War I, when an avalanche struck Austro-Hungarian barracks on Mount Marmolada, killing 270 soldiers. Other avalanches the same day struck Italian and other Austro-Hungarian positions, killing hundreds. According to some reports both sides deliberately fired shells into the weakened snowpacks in an attempt to bury the other side. An accurate estimation of the number of casualties from the White Friday avalanches is not available. Historical documents suggest at least 2,000 victims among the soldiers and a few dozens among civilians.[1] The date 13 December, marked Saint Lucia, a commemorative religious holiday practiced by the majority of Italian Catholics. Though the occurrence of avalanches in the Dolomites Mountains took place on a Wednesday in 1916, the term "White Friday" was used to coin the disastrous day.[2]

[@Lochana_Amarasinghe96]

CAN WE SUGGEST THIS STORY TO SABATON

[@cjthenarhwalking1378]

Just realized this but the transition from biplanes to ww2 fighters, is meant to sumbolize they are there forever.

[@skullboy1003]

the soldiers buried in the tomb of the unknown soldier (1 for ww1, 1 for ww2, 1 for Korea and 1 for Vietnam in the case of Arlington) are not unknown because they were never able to identify them. While this might be the case for some or maybe all of them it is not the point of the tomb. these soldiers are unknown because the selection process to find a soldier to bury was specifically designed so that nobody knew who was buried there and thus every family with a loved one that never came home had at least something to represent the courage and sacrifice their loved one showed and have the knowledge that it could be their loved one buried there. It gives these families something to grieve over and hopefully find some closure with.

[@NetAndyCz]

I am going through your Sabaton playlist and I cannot find 'Inmate 4859'? You should check it out (and the history video as well for full context).

[@TimoArula]

🤘😎🤘

[@anordman9659]

If my memory serves me correctly, there were over 365.000 secret Air Missions over Laos to support US troops.