Redgum - I Was Only 19 (A Walk in the Light Green) Official Video Reaction
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redgum long run,
redgum poor ned,
redgum diamantina drover,
redgum i've been to bali,
redgum live,
redgum caught in the act album,
redgum where ya gonna run to,
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redgum bbq,
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redgum church bairnsdale,
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redgum chipper,
redgum caught in the act songs,
redgum covers,
redgum chipper shredder,
redgum nuclear cop,
redgum diamantina drover live,
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redgum documentary,
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dusty diamantina redgum,
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the essential redgum,
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redgum lear jets,
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redgum log splitter with lifter,
redgum long run live,
redgum liberal values,
redgum long run cover,
redgum midnight sun,
redgum one more boring,
redgum waltzing matilda,
maria redgum,
redgum poor ned live,
redgum one more boring night,
redgum spirit of the land,
redgum spark of the heart,
redgum playlist,
gladstone pier redgum,
redgum running with the hurricane,
red gummy bear,
red gummy bear song,
red gummy bear sparta remix,
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red gum ned kelly,
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redgum the long run,
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red ball 4 gumball
![ทางเดินชีวิต - ธีเดช ทองอภิชาติ x อ.ไข่ มาลีฮวนน่า [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1f3wcG16dd4/mqdefault.jpg)
There's not an Aussie alive (I don't think) that doesn't tear up when they hear this 😢
I'm not crying you are😭🇭🇲
As an American I tear up when I hear this
You're goddamn right we do
I know I do
@@LuLu-Sil It's a powerful song for sure.
I am nearly 75 years old. I was there on the spot when some of these clips were shot. A few, at around point 8:- 8:30 was a move onto an enemy position, my very first contact with the VC. They were waiting for us. It was the 22nd March 1967 in the Long Green, a colour on the map denoting jungle. We had just landed in a battalion-sized helicopter assault although our companies were spread out. We fixed bayonets and it was probably the second last bayonet charge the Australian Army ever conducted. The nearby river was the Song Rai in Phuoc Tuy Province (the man with arms outstretched was Sgt Xavier Frank Alcorta, one of the bravest men I ever met (RIP, Frank). The film is a composite of takes over a number of years. I had just turned 20 a few weeks before, back home in Australia. I was concussed during the fight by a New Zealand 105mm artillery shell that landed just behind me (although I wasn't a casualty - I should have been because the chunks of shell casing peppered the large tree I was kneeling behind). Not one bit touched me (an Australian shell got me later, in August and I still have the small piece of metal, and a mark in my knee but I was still not a casualty, it wasn't that serious). I was only showing that piece of metal to my new neighbour yesterday, and the mark on my knee cap. Malaria has played havoc with me and I suspect Agent Orange as well, although I don't dwell on that.
The "Light Green" was a term used by later Australians in that area but in my time it was the Long Green due to the green elongated shape on the map. Australia got involved under the SEATO arrangement, the South East Asia Treaty Organisation. I still suffer the effects after all these years, and this song cuts me up - especially when I hear the choppers. I served for almost 38 years as an infantryman and I know Vietnam changed me - continuing to serve saved me. I went over at 20 and came back as a 40 year old I reckon. But I was a volunteer so I guess that's my fault. I would do it again, though, if I could. I have a number of illnesses now that will probably dispatch me sooner than later as I am already past the date that I was supposed to die (hanging in there). It was one of the best things I could have done and I'm proud that we all went when called. It's a sad song but it is a song for all the vets, not just Frankie. Sorry but that's my story. I'm tearing up. You know what was worse though? The way the Australian people, the noisy ones, treated us when we arrived home and before we went and the way the war ended (a shameful thing we all just repeated in Afghanistan).
Thank you for your service mate…
Thanks mate. The generation who followed you knows what you went through, and it was songs like this and Cold Chisel's Khe Sahn, absolute Aussie Anthems in many eyes, that made us aware of some of those troubles. Being rejected by your own countrymen when coming back home after putting up with all that shit would have been a bitter pill to swallow. How long did it take until they erected memorials for Vietnam Vets. Thankfully they are a part of all ANZAC Day services, and at The Memorial - but it took way to long, and as usual - it was not an Australian conflict that we were involved in. Cheers for your dedication to our great nation.
Godbless you Soldier !
🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🙏🙏🙏😘
I had the great honour of knowing Frank Alcorta in Darwin, Northern Territory where he worked as a Journalist.
Thank you for your service and all respects given to u. I hope your still hanging in there so you can keep spreading your legacy, but even after that I pray that my generation what comes after me will still remember true leadgends like you. 👏🙌
As an Aussie i will never forget our sister country for joining as always , Thank you NZ
Chur mate hahhaha
But don't forget we rely on our big brother haveing our backs too
❤❤❤
We are allowed to pick on eachother cause we are family, sadly our Kiwi bros and sis are better at rudby then us ;)
But if you pick on our sis/bro yea nuh
@@Nug_180 I'm surprised you were able to stop fucking your sheep long enough to get that sentence out bro, well done.
@@Bb-rp2pz yes, Thk you to our Papuan Family 🦋
I’m a grown man and have never been able to listen to this song without tearing up.
You and me both.
Same 😢
Same with me!
same. lol. 2nd time tonight.
I got chills just seeing the title. Brings a tear to my eye every goddamn time. Fuck war, bless the ANZACs.
The ANZAC legend lives on. Remember Long Tan!
Lest we forget
Same here I can't hear this without get teary miss Nasho by 12 months, to many good lives lost in a wasted war.....Not talk about the way they were treated by the R.S.L on return.
@@unknowntraveller8633 Well said mate. I'm an Ex 1RAR Vet & couldn't agree with u more.
David Bradford-Pony poker👍
Duty First.
Frankie was meant to have gone home in June. He was still there beyond his service date.
Song brings me to tears everytime
You get it.
I once got to speak to a RAF pilot (WWII) who told me that the USAF pilot had a strictly limited number of missions (yes everyone I have read Catch 22 about 5 times) but the RAF just, well had to keep flying until they got shot down. Every time I smash "Johnny Come Lately" by Steve Earle on my mandolin I'm reminded- This shit is real. In war you keep going until you don't. I was supposed to get leave a whole year ago, but it took a year to organise it. You don't let your mates down 'til they have you dusted off. I work in frontline healthcare, son in the Australian Infantry.
Frankie didn't want to leave his mates. Those guys were on a different level to brothers.
Hate to rain on the little echo chamber going on here but well the truth is probably more interesting than the false assumptions taken from the fictional lyrics of a song that wasn't written by a veteran or even an ex-serviceman. Firstly the song clearly uses poetic license and it doesn't take much to find out it is not historically accurate. Frankie wasn't on extended service and Frankie never existed he is fictional. However while Frankie is fictional I will be in the next paragraph mentioning three very real Australian men that died in Vietnam in reference to the song and not one of them was on extended service.
If we look at actual real history we can look at the timeline of 6RAR's 2nd tour in Vietnam. The 6RAR were all going home in June 1970 after their tour which started in May 1969 was complete. Argumentatively "Frankie" could have kicked the landmine on 24th July 1969 or 19th November 1969 as the song doesn't specify which moon landing. As it is historically no servicemen from 6RAR were killed on either day however two died on 21 July 1969 Lt. Peter Hines and Cpl. John Needs. Now here's the real interesting bit of actual history Pte. Raymond Moore of 9RAR (not "Frankie" from 6RAR) was KIA (I don't know if it was a landmine or not and incidentally 9RAR's tour was between Nov 1968 to Nov 1969) on 24 July 1969 (Apollo 11 landing day) so perhaps "Frankie" is a bit of an amalgam of those three men.
Reference material for the dates of the real life servicemens' deaths:
www.hq1atf.org/ozcas1.htm
@@snarkymatt585
Oh I'm well aware that John Schumann didn't go to Vietnam and that Frankie is fictional. The story of fictional characters can hit just as hard as real ones sometimes.
'Frankie' was a real guy and on the day that Armstrong landed on the moon, he had his legs blown off when he stepped on a landmine. Frankie's son was invited on to the stage with Redgum (years later) when they performed along with Frankie himself. Frankie's son came to our school and told his story of growing up with a dad visibly and invisibly scarred from Vietnam and performed a range of songs including this one. He is an amazing musician and him performing this song was incredibly powerful.
Frankie didn't step on the mine, he was walking just behind the man who did, Lieutenant Peter 'Skipper' Hines.
Just to let you know that New Zealand was right there with the Aussies.
Sure was.
If it wasn't for the Kiwi gunners, the Battle of Long Tan might have ended up very differently.
Lest we forget our brothers from NZ.
@@tigerpjm thanks for remembering, a lot of people forget about the Kiwis at Long Tan.
Yes they were as always Thankyou NZ
This is a powerful song written in the early 80's and Frankie actually lived and what inspired this song. The band donated ALL royalties to Vietnam Veterans Associat of Australia. THe song struck a deep chord within Australians and thre returned ventrans more so. They identified with the experiences being portrayed and in many cases dismissed by doctors. This song was the begining of a ground swell push which realised formal recognition of the Australian Vietnam Vets and a Welcome home Parade and concert was held to finally honor them and their services. He did a later recording for A return Vet PTSD gala where he speaks about the song and PTSD. PTSD15 Special Recording "I Was Only 19" John Schumann .
A lot were treated so badly when they came back... that was heartbreaking
Just want to mention here that Australia has never fought a war that was it's own. We have only fought the wars for other nations we are allied too. I'm really thankful for these video reactions by American people because finally Americans are learning more about the significance of the land down under. I'm a 57 year old who loves You Tube because it serves to educate and create awareness that we have never experienced before. Keep up the good work!
The war in the pacific became ours
Actually we fought the Emu War by ourselves. And another against Cactus.
We lost the former but won the latter with the aid of a caterpillar.
@@chrispeel3123 Oh yes, I forgot about those. 😬
The War on our doorstep from the Japanese begs to differ.
Darwin, bombed off the map.
Every war Australia has been its own even though not directly in danger of being attacked! An attack on our beliefs regardless of geography is an attack on us! Your statement is not only disrespectful to our vets but also incorrect! For someone your age I would like to think you would be a bit smarter regardless of your political views. Your statement belittles and undermines the sacrifices given by our vets
"A walk in the light green" is a reference to the colours on the maps they used. Dark green was dense jungle, lots of cover, and few landlines. Light green was thinly wooden, light cover, and high probability of mines. Australia ended up up in Vietnam as part of the Australia - New Zealand - US (ANZUS) treaty that came out of the second world war and Korean wars. Vietnam was the first time it was tested, some would argue inappropriately to follow the US into Vietnam and it was purely political brown nosing. ANZUS was also the reason we followed the US into Iraq and Afghanistan
We, the USA, must stop getting into senseless, endless wars if we expect our treaty partners to die with us. The Vietnam War was my era and I had high school friends who were drafted. Fortunately, they did come back, but they were not the same people. Some researchers and historians think that the American drug craze began with the trauma of the returning Vietnam vets.
I'm an Aussie, this song is GOLD. Lyrics are so real and full of pain, I often tear up when I hear this song. Lest we forget ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Why do the yanks have to yak through it so many of them talk right through it. Like shut the fuck up and talk at the end dude
Some of the footage in the video is of my dads platoon, my dad and most of his old army mates are gone now, it always tears me up to see him and his mates back then. They were mates for life after that, over 30 of my dads old army mates flew in from all over the country for his funeral when he died in 2008, even though many hadn't seen him in over a decade, R.I.P dad.
Respect
My deepest sympathies Mick.
😲❤️❤️❤️
Mick Haynes
May he rest in everlasting peace.
Many I served with have also passed away - A few remain
My turn will come soon.
And please note - it is ARMY and not Army nor army
Take a close look at what is written on the Choppers/Aircraft and pay attention to detail
-- Same applies to NAVY - Which is a Military force = Navy is the name of a color.
They sound the same but they are NOT the same.
All the best and stay safe
Condolences on the passing of your father. Was he a Regular or a Nasho?
Either way he served for Australia when called and was sent to Vietnam.
May he Rest In Peace
LEST WE FORGET!
Mark from Melbourne Australia
Former Australian Army Reservist. I wore the baggy greens and carried a 7.62mm SLR Bang Stick!
Puckapunyal, Watsonia, Darwin, Katherine, Canungra.
I have spent a lot of time with English, Aussie and Kiwi Digger's over the years as an aged care nurse. Christ the stories I have been told would chill anyone. Many of them just had to get their stories off their chests before they died, things they refused to tell even their own families. Listening to some songs and movies bring even me sudden unease as I remember blood curdling things that I have been told.
The Aussies and Kiwis make up some of the greatest soldiers strictly because they were never properly funded and have learnt to cope and make do with what they have on hand. That has made them inventive and insidious when they put their mind to an objective and make the impossible possible.
Thank you for caring for and listening to these precious souls. Love & hugs from South Australia xo
@@Kazeemi2810 I was from Melbourne Victoria originally. One day I'll get home, nursing isn't for everyone but it is the most rewarding job for those that have the heart to embrace it.
My grandfather who was in 1 Field Squadron Royal Australian Engineers in WW2 died when I was 18 i’m 48 now ,but before He died when I was about 15 or 16 he started telling me stories about the war and especially the stories about when he landed in New Guinea and what was done to or left of Australian soldiers who were captured by Japanese were the most Chilling, graphic and shocking stories , shocking because you could tell how real it was for him as he told the stories.
Thank you, from a Kiwi
From a vet who understands the stories you have been told. Thank you for having the heart to be there for my brothers and sisters in arms.
" And Frankie kicked a mine the day that mankind kick the moon " is a literal statement. 20th July 1969 Frankie kicked a mine and Neil Armstrong kicked the moon.
And the next line after "and Frankie kicked a mine the day that mankind kicked the moon. God help me. He was going home in June". Either Frankie re-enlisted for another tour, and was one month in, or it was his second month in Vietnam.
@@sopwithpuppy or it was poetic licence, and a great use of that device.
@@sopwithpuppy In part ,it was poetic device as Shane mentioned, but in part it was referencing the fact that, sue to shortages of cannon fodder, many who finished their tours were extended by the Army. They did not extend voluntarily, just got told to be ready to fight for another year.
Or he got un-voluntarily extended.
Or he kicked an actual mine.
If you continue to read the lyrics:
'And I can still hear Frankie, lying screaming in the jungle
'Til the morphine came and killed the bloody row'
Doesn't sound like his tour was extended.
Every time I play this song my Dad stops to listen. He’s a Vietnam Veteran. He’s reminded of his mates. The men he saw come and go. This was a war that many believe should not have been fought. Upon return many were forgotten or treated differently and not in a positive way. This song shows the trauma of the moment with the strength of character all of the Soldiers showed. My heart goes out to all returned service men and women. Thank you for your service.
You're right about it being trauma, but his point isn't that "We can land on the moon but we're still here on the ground." It's that everybody in the world remembers the moon landing, but nobody remembers his best mate. The great times having drinks in the viet bars, the horror of watching his mate torn to shreds in front of him. This isn't a song telling a story of a guy in Vietnam, it's a song about a guy living now, who's never been able to figure out how to exist after seeing what he saw in war. The ANZACS of all generations mean everything and their day is sacred to us. And every single day, every single one of them one of them should be given thanks for their courage. Lest we forget.
Well said mate
👍👍👍
I was thinking more in line of.
The day he saw his mate stand on the mine, was the same day as the moon landing.
I think Chris Evans is more on the mark, because it is literally a retelling of the story the song writer's brother-in-law from when he was in Vietnam in 1969
Well said. Much respect to you.
I was 19, I was in Nam, I was a volunteer as were most of us in 1965, I was an American, it was what @ 25% of what American kids did then. after high school It pretty well averaged out between college, the local factory, the farm, or military service. We did not set the policy, we just served our country, Aussie lads did the same.
Thank you for your service, sacrifice and courage. God bless.
Well said.
The military I've ever worked with are among the very best of a nation, thankyou for your service. The difference in Australia was that the troops were largely conscripts who were able to be selected even though they didn't have an ability to vote.
Thankyou, and welcome home
The Aussie lad's (My Dad included), were drafted / conscripted. Had no choice but to go. That said, thank you for your service. Lest We Forget.
Young men FORCED to go to war in a place they knew nothing about, men who knew nothing about war. Thats the key to this song.......
“And Frankie kicked a mine they day that mankind kicked the moon” is in my opinion one of the most powerful things ever written
(Also I think June is just a convenient rhyme, very impressive detective work there dude, I’d never noticed that)
I agree with the ‘Rhyme’ analysis. It could be also taken in the context that, ‘he was’ is another way of saying ‘he was due to’ ie: he kicked a mine not long before he was due to go home. ( from
All accounts that I have heard. My father being a vet as one. To the best of my knowledge, no one was held past their 12 months service period, so to me, that supports the latter interpretation) I digress, All analogies (sadly) work in this rhetoric. PTSD was only just being brought to the forefront when this was written and sadly due to the ‘I’m a man, I’ll be tough, I don’t need to talk to anyone mentality’ it was many years before it became an open topic in society and they could feel safe to talk about it without fear of being labeled weak. Sickeningly, we still aren’t there.
Thanks
For the review.
@Square Wuna, no Australians
From the research I have done. None had their TOD’s extended (Australian Army as this is who this song was written for.) whilst on active service. There was an initial period of 24 months, for conscripts that was gradually reduced to 18 months over the course of the ‘police action’ this included basic training, and 12 months in the field deployment. The line itself, upon reflection, is demonstrating the folly of war, as it it saying, that Mankind (the human race) achieved setting foot on the moon, whilst many lost their lives needlessly for no reason (political dancing aside). The yanks started the unknowing extensions of TOD’s because the world woke up and didn’t agree with the ‘god told me to do it’ bullshit and refused to put their lives on the line for a Born again muppet.
@Square Wuna, please don’t apologise. From your profile. I understand you are a Veteran and you have not only my respect but also my sympathy and support. Please don’t take my comment in any way other than, war is fucked. There is support for all of you whom have served.
@@nicfisher8266 6 RAR was in country from 8th May 1969 until the 12th May 1970. The incident happened on the 21st July 1969 just two months into their tour. June was used purely to rhyme with moon.
No one was held past their 12 months, if that is the case then I did a 12 month tour and a second 1 month tour. It just happened that they were consecutive.
Much loved Aussie song, another unofficial Anthem, its so special because we lost so many Australians to Vietnam, thank you for reviewing it!
out of 61000 deployed we lost 521 souls and 3000 wounded.. nothing compared to the americans loss. but still 521 too many for a war that should never of involved Aussies. After the war though we probably lost more to mental health issues with the return of our boys through suicide, alcoholism and cancers.. My dad was one of the lucky ones who did 2 tours and survived but nightmares and drink destroyed him both mentally and physically. Hes 80 this year with a brain tumour.. not much longer will he be with us
We lost some good men
@@grizzjohnson4183 so sorry. So many good men’s lives were unutterably altered by that war that should never have been.
Yes we lost a lot but who ever came home were ignored until recently. They were never celebrated as in other wars. We're not allowed in Anzac Day marches for many years. They were also ridiculed by their neighbours.
US vet here- Your boys have acquitted themselves admirably in every war you participated in. Now, we need to keep China out of your backyard.
I can’t sing along in my head without tears. John was a family friend, he was sent to Vietnam, a young hippie with a gentle soul. What was returned to us was a broken man who never got back what he had lost over there, withdrawn, in pain and unable to speak about it. John was 20 years old.
Suz Mac
John was 20 years of 'age'
NOT 20 years old.
People and animals live through the 'ages'
It is THINGS that become OLD - such as your shoes - clothing - appliances - house etc.
Please learn the difference and recall your Teen 'age ' years -
That is your biggest clue and you totally missed it.
@@andrewkoala6626 really, this is all you take from that? Wanker.
@@suzmac1526
1. You should learn English -
Undertake an extensive reading program to educate yourself
and become fluent in the language
But of course you are not teachable
2. I served in the Military for 30 years -Airforce- Serving Three Countries
You understand and know very little.
Read and comprehend the main point.
Engage brain before opening mouth.
@@andrewkoala6626 Andrew, why do you need to be important?
@@andrewkoala6626 btw, you are behaving like a 2 YEAR OLD.
This song is so moving! It was written in 1983 and told a tale of many young Australians who were conscripted to fight in the Vietnam war.
Personally, I like to believe it represents ALL young people leaving everything they know and all the people they love to fight in a war many won’t come home from and even less come home unscathed.
War- young people dying for old peoples ideals 😢
"The footage is from "some" war."
SMH in agony. Is Vietnam already being forgotten?!
To all who served, fought, died or worse (came home and were spat on), you are heroes. Never be ashamed of your service. True Aussies with true Aussie spirit.
I concur; but like most citizens of the USA I have come across, he has no idea who else was involved, what these nations contribute or why. I hope people like this are trying to find out and spread the word.
Ignorance seems to be rife not pointed solely at one person but strewth some war omg Americans.
He figures out that it's Vietnam like really quick into the video.
@@careybird3936 we should not have been there, and give him 5 seconds to catch on ffs.
The Vietnam war was hell to our boys. Can't listen to this without tears.
Imagine what it was like for the innocent Vietnamese caught in the middle.
@@triarb5790
The soldiers of the ARVN incurred severe losses getting towards 1973
The US Government cutting funding resorted to ARVN members using
Bows and arrows - Many ARVN officers committed suicide to avoid the
beatings and torture they knew what was coming when the VC seized Saigon.
Many were imprisoned in harsh conditions for over a decade in what
was known as re-education camps.
The Vietnam war - like many others was brutal and pointless.
It created many millionaires - at the expense of thousands of lives.
@@triarb5790 it was literally hell for the people of Vietnam.
7:00 I had assumed that he was supposed to have gone home in June, but was still there in July. Making his death even sadder.
Thought the same thing👍
Yep, I heard that he was supposed to head home in June but chose to stay longer to make some more money to bring back to his family.
@@ozmoziss Interesting find, thanks 👍
@@ozmoziss thank you , interesting reading... I'd always wondered about that bit of the song, because the moon landings were in July, I guessed it was just poetic licence because it rhymed , now it's confirmed :)
@@ozmoziss There was an interview with John Schuman where he explained the title of the song and the reference to 19. The song was written from stories by his then future brother-in-law. Denise, his girlfriend (now wife) is referenced in the first line of the song as Denny, which her family called her. A walk in the light green is referring to the maps they used. Dark green was preferred as it was thick foliage with lots of cover, but the light green parts were open and nowhere to hide. The rash that comes and goes was the reaction to the Agent Orange that was used as a herbicide that affected the skin and caused major health issues to the people in the affected areas. The version linked below has a short intro from John explaining a little more of the song. It was for the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign in 2015.
th-cam.com/video/tfZilfZahcA/w-d-xo.html
As someone who wore a slouch hat and Greens, and carried an SLR, I was always glad I was born 10 years too late for this. Makes me tear up for all the good men lost.
Mate, I salute you for your service, sir or ma’am!!
Lest we forget
This song by Redgum, Khe Sanh by Cold Chisel and finally And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda by Eric Bogle are 3 songs that will make almost any Aussie tear up. Especially the last one! It’s one of the most poignant songs written about the futility of war in any language it makes me weep every time I listen to it…
any Oz ground pounders at Khe Sanh?
@@warwickruse2556 its just a convenient line for a great song and meaning
If you say so@@alexlanning712 .
On the Australian war memorial on Kokoda (WW2) there are 4 words enscribed "Courage, Mateship, Endurance, Sacrifice"
Loyalty Mateship Trust Compassion Courage Initiative Integrity These are the core values that the Australian Soldier has.
@@jimspink2922 To bad the top brass in the defense force lack these qualities these days. They hung the sasr out to dry over retarded ABC stories.
My brother who is 74 was a sapper in Vietnam, thanks for doing this song brother ❤.
Thank you MrLboyd for your insightful & Respectful review of this iconic Australian song.
At 68 years old this song always brings me to tears, as it does to most Aussie's and Kiwi's.
We are all so keenly aware that it could have been anybody of my generation in that jungle with a barking M16.
I'm not an Aussie and this one and "Waltzing Matilda" still tears me to shreds. Been into 2 war scenarios and still wouldn't get near to what these blokes went through. My respects to everyone Down Under.
Australia followed the US into Vietnam. There weren't enough volunteers so there was a draft ( conscription) and for the first time Australia sent conscripts overseas, previously all overseas combatants were volunteers. These conscripts were sent to war before they were old enough to vote ... and came home so damaged ...
Joy if he was 19 then he voluntary joined the army, probably at 16 after school. Between 1964 and 1972 all Australian 20 year olds who's birthday matched the ballot had to register for national service which was 2 years full time and 3 years part time in the army. Some in national service were then sent to Vietnam, unfortunately I was one of those that are drew the short straw. Your right about being damaged, I was playing golf with two Vietnam veteran mates and my brother and a car going past back fired, both jumped into the bunker for cover.
@@markjones4090 It was 18 that you had to register for national service. I was in the next ballot but Gough won the election and cancelled it.
Cheers!
@@micko11154 Not sure about that all I remember is that 20 year olds had to register with the department of labour and national service and there was two ballots each year and if your birthdate came out which mine did you had to go in the army. My number did come out in 1966.
@@markjones4090 I'm sure about because i was born in 1954 and had to register in 72. In 1966 it may very well have been 20. Maybe they changed it between 66 and 72.
Cheers and thanx for your service!
And they were treated like shit by the government that sent them over there . Have been ever since.
Australia's involvement was pointless too. Thank you to all Vietnam vets for your courage. 🕊️
Thank you Della - on behalf of all VN veterans alive and those that have died.
wow first time seeing this song in a reaction, well done, as an Aussie and an Aussie who served for 15 yrs this song brings a lot of meaning for me, thank you
I have been listing to this song since I was around 14 years old. 39 years years latter I still cry my eyes out.
He was supposed to go home in June but his deployment got delayed. In other words he wasn’t even supposed to be there. Heartbreaking.
Robert you are one of the first people whos comment is correct, so many people who didn't understand why he was there past june hahaha thanks for clearing it up for everyone mate.
@@lmc62777 absolutely as an American and Veteran this song does a little something to my heart.
6 RAR was in country from 8th May 1969 until the 12th May 1970. The incident happened on the 21st July 1969 just two months into their tour. June was used purely to rhyme with moon.
This song is so deep. This character was conscripted (yes we had conscription during Vietnam), conscription age was 18 at the time, and it's basically a song about PTSD and at the time was not treated as it wasn't recognized (remember this was the 60s). So sad and I know people in this exact situation and I got them talking about their experiences. They said that was the best thing to happen to them because it gave them an outlet to express their feelings which they had never had before.
Conscription age was 20, not 18, I know
@@safeman1231 Agreed Danny. I was born in 1949 and entered the ballot in 1969 and still have the letter advising that my birth date wasn't drawn and as a consequence I was categorised as "indefinitely deferred."
The ballot was never for 18 years of age and this can be seen by doing a Google search which will also list all the dates that were drawn over the course of conscription ... quite useful info for calling out those who try to say they were called up but just somehow didn't quite make it into the Army.
Ian Tonkin
Actually Kooky.. the guy telling the story to John Schumann (Mick Storen -his brother in law) was a volunteer that joined, not a nasho.
Are yes, Australia, whom German soldiers feared most. Good on you mates much respect.
Edit: German commander Erwin Rommel was quoted as saying: "If I had to take hell, I would use the Australians to take it and the New Zealanders to hold it.
i believe that tells it all.
My late husband was a Vietnam veteran and we played this song at his funeral. Many crying eyes
The line, “Frankie kicked a land mine, the day that mankind kicked the moon”, gives me such chills….
What about how he was supposed to be on his way home in June?
Bloody horrible bad fortune.
Frankie never kicked a mine but was walking just behind the man who did, Lieutenant Peter 'Skipper' Hines. This poetic license does not however diminish the message of the song.
@@benjamintaheny450 many stayed on past their contracts because of the low numbers. They were often drafted to stay longer, ie commanded by the government. He should have been at home…
@@johnnichol9412 Geez mate, Are you Okay... I'm seriously asking, given that my comment was over 6 months old and your response is very passive aggressive...PTSD??? Whether you mean to come across that way or not... More power to you dude, get some help if you're not feeling right. There is no shame in asking for help. Attacking people (women) on the internet over song lyrics is probably not your finest hour. I hope you are doing better soon. As an FYI, the writer of the song used poetic licence and didn't use the real name of the person who died...I think everyone knows that... and what I said was truth... Many of our solider's, even today, extend their tours for one reason or another. It has also been brought up multiple times that man didn't walk on the moon until July and doesn't make sence with the months sung about...the songwriter has addressed this... he doesn't want people to get caught up on the trival facts, but absorb the message and the meaning... Good luck to you.
@@king_familytraveladventure963 6 RAR was in country from 8th May 1969 until the 12th May 1970. The incident happened on the 21st July 1969 just two months into their tour. June was used purely to rhyme with moon. "Frankie" Francis Hunt and the others involved in the incident still had 10 months of their tour left.
Where is your problem apart from incorrect statements?
Please try Khe Sanh by Cold Chisel released in 1978. It was one of the most iconic and popular songs of the era. Another anti-war song it was censored when it was first released and deemed not suitable for air play
This is a hymn to a war Australia wasn't too keen on. You've grabbed the right end of the stick with this review.
the part saying - he was going home in June, Is sometime their service was extended by up the 3 months when they were due to come home. So that means that he was supposed to have been sent home in June but ended up still being there - and died
Like every other Aussie watching this I was tearing up. You did a really respectful analysis. Heart song indeed. Also a protest song. A rare thing, sensitive enough to be both.
As an Aussie I get GOOSEBUMPS listening to this song, and what makes me sad is that crappy state our country is in. I wonder what our dead soldiers who fought and paid for their lives for our freedoms that we are happy to give away would be telling us?
Australians haven't fought for our freedom since WWII. Everything else has been fighting and dying for (American) corporate profits. That's all Vietnam was - making sure Asia didn't become "hostile" to American corporations coming in and exploiting the place.
Same
Freedom won by the Anzacs came at personal sacrifice.
They didn't fight so we had the right to avoid a vaccination or ignore stay home orders, they did what they had to so others didn't suffer.
So suck it up like they did, get your Vax done, keep your hands clean and we can all go back to relative normality.
WW2 was the only war you can honestly say Australia was fighting for "freedom" other wars had their purpose but it is disrespectful to say we were fighting for our OWN freedom in any other war except WW2. Wars in Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq you would argue we were fighting for the freedom of other people...
Vanessa Christidis
Those that died - died for nothing
They were all deceived (myself included)
The CORPORATIONS run this world and control Governments
FREEDOMS FOUGHT FOR ARE BEING DESTROYED AND REMOVED -
Liberty has largely become a Myth.
I know, I served in the military for 3 decades - 1960-1990
18 August 1966, the Battle of Long Tan. This day is remembered as Vietnam Veterans Day for Australian soldiers.
The song is dedicated to Australian soldiers that served in Vietnam.
Disturbing that an American couldn't get the many references to the Vietnam War.
I feel kinda awkward listening to this song in front of people because of how it affects me, but not as much as it affects my Mum who when she was 18 working as a nurse at a hospital in Albury Wodonga received a phone call from her father saying she had to come home now because her brother has been killed,my grandfather was a violent abusive man towards his kids,my uncle on the other hand had always tried to protect my mum from my grandfather so you can imagine how my mum’s world came completely crashing down during that phone call. She said she kinda remembers sliding down the wall to the floor and remembered screaming but she says she felt like it wasn’t her that was screaming if that makes sense. My uncle Ron Smillie was 19 & was a Sapper in 1 Field Squadron Royal Australian Engineers he had 3 weeks before he was to come home when a mine that he and another guy were trying to disarm exploded in their faces.The last time my mother actually saw her brother was at his passing out parade at Puckapunyal , so yeah it’s pretty hard for my mum to listen to the words of this song without starting to cry. And how’s this for a crazy coincidence my other grandfather my father‘s father was also in 1 Field Squadron Royal Australian engineers in World War II and my father never met my mother until after my uncle was killed in Vietnam.
Australia's unofficial national anthem. Put it on in a pub and everyone knows the words.
Cold Chisel wrote our unofficial national anthem thank you very much.
The Khe Sanh disrespect is palpable.
@@spritestuff We have multiple unofficial national anthems. Waltzing Matilda being among them.
@@PhotonJon hold my beer Daryl Braithwaite - The Horses
I've never heard this in a pub ever
@@bausy2196 You need to find a better pub.
I am a proud son of a Vietnam Vet. Love to all my uncles
Frankie kicked a mine 3 weeks into his second tour - he was SUPPOSED to have gone home in june but re-enlisted.
I cry every time I hear it. I’m an Aussie our diggers were 16 and up. My hubby would sing this song over and over. I dunno an Aussie that doesn’t know this. It wasn’t our war. God Bless our ANZACs xx🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺😘😘😘
My grandpa fought in Vietnam. He told me that he knew we would lose the moment he stepped foot in the country. During his 2 tours, he was shot, got shrapnel in his knee, and buried a lot of homies.
Mate. I met John Schuman when I was 9 on a flight from Perth to Darwin (39 years ago). He told me one day that I would understand this song. 14years later, I joined the Royal Australian Navy. I spent my first ANZAC Day in uniform with a few Vietnam Vets. This song came on and I saw a complete change in the moods of these heroes. All had tears in their eyes. All looked reflective and so sad. Its a thing I have never forgotten. The emotion I felt looking at these men I had only just met but had immense respect for. Seriously, I have a Active Australian Service Medal and Returned from Active Service Badge for my time in East Timor. I had a home coming at a footy game on ANZAC Day in 2000. These blokes had nothing. Thank you for reviewing this song. I like most Aussies cried while watching this. Stay safe mate
Bless all those who went including my Father who I watched struggle physically and mentally everyday of my life and I'm 47. No one wins in war! Bless everyone especially Aussie/NZ Vets.
Bless any man or woman fighting for there country or having no choice to fight.
There have been a couple of amazing Australian anti-war songs. "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" is one of the most heartwrenching songs that you'll ever hear and No Man's Land (better known as Green Fields of France) is up there as well. Both were written by Eric Bogle but the most famous version of the former was performed by the Pogues and the Dropkick Murphy's recorded a brilliant version of the latter.
Testekill
The battle of Gallipoli (Çanakkale) was never meant to be won.
It was a set-up.
The British have buried the real history and fabricated a new version.
It was to make sure that the Ottoman Empire which held Islamic countries
together was destroyed, and the Control of the Kaaba was given to Saudi
Arabia, to make sure Turkey could never control it again.
Now after WWI ended, guess what happened?
The Arabs didn't get the lands they were promised.
In fact, their lands were divided into little puppet kingdoms such as
TransJordan - Iraq (pronounced eRaq)and Egypt. Syria also wanted to become
independent, however since the French had a problem with it, it failed.
Palestinians did not get their land either and instead, it was given to
the Jews and the State of Isra'el. was created by British Zionists in
the House of Lords.
So can we say that the British (together with their American allies
betrayed the Arabs - can any of you now see why it's time to get even)
Because it was those two evil bastards that caused the problem in the
first place.
The British broke the deal and failed to uphold their end of the agreement.
There were some dirty Politics that went on in WWI
The Sykes-Picot Agreement of 1916 is an example.
The ancestor of Yasser Arafat - didn't exactly play along faithful lines
with the British.
Turning against them on more than one occasion, he voluntarily joined the
Ottoman Turkish ARMY in World War I and returned to Jerusalem in 1917
then expediently switched sides to aid the victorious British.
He acquired the reputation as an anti-Zionist (because lands promised to
the Arab Palestinians were given by the British to the Jews (creating
the State of Isra'el) instead if being equally divided between the two)
and thus he (Yasser Arafat) was jailed by the British for instigating a
1920 Arab attack against Jews who were praying at the Western Wall.
The British were acting in self-interest, having imperial and political
interests other than that of the Arabs, whom they used for their own benefit.
Having said that, it was hardly out of step with the usual diplomatic practices
of the time, and not much different from what is today.
► Gallipoli 100 years - Commemorating a war; Celebrating a
friendship through music and adventure
th-cam.com/video/xkit7WjkE3M/w-d-xo.html
GALLIPOLI ( in Turkish is Çanakkale )
Ç is pronounced Ch [as in Cheese - Church - Chair}
What requires one letter in Turkish requires two letters in English
The Turkish alphabet is better than the English alphabet
Thanksnfor the heads up on no mans land by Dropkick murphys. Thats epic.
@@andrewkoala6626 Zero fucks given....
An extremely powerful anti-war song...
There is an Australian made movie called "Danger Close" about the Battle of Long Tan, a hard fought fight that I do not want to spoil, except to say the the unit involved was soon afterwards given the US Presidential Unit Citation, but were not recognized in Australia for nearly 30 years!
'Frankie' from the song was a real person who spent much of his time in his wheelchair in front of the Town Hall in Sydney. The song was written after the singer\song writer spoke to a great number of Australian Vietnam veterans.
Big like for you reacting to this one mate.
Love that u reacted to this has Australian Army veteran made me cry the means more than u ever know.
Antrigg Jackman
Please note that ARMY is a military force
Army is a large number of people united for some specific purpose.
The words sound the same, but they are not the same.
There is a specific and distinct difference between the two.
Pay attention to what is written on Military aircraft - examples:
It will show ARMY - not- Army
NAVY - not- Navy
Navy is the name of a color
Be sure to see exactly what you are looking at and pay attention to detail.
Sadly you were zombie-fied by your education system.
You have eyes but you cannot see - Ears and cannot hear
@@andrewkoala6626 Andy, this is not the time and place. Pull your phuqin head in, mate, and just shut the phuq up.
If you're that stuck on this, then make your own bloody TH-cam contribution. I'll watch it, and even give you a 👍🏿 if it's got decent production techniques. 🇦🇺
When he says "it was a long march from cadets" i tear up. My beautiful son is in Army Cadets atm. Hes decided the army's is his calling. Im so proud but terrified at the same time. Hes only 15
Just for context, Frankie was 1 month into his 12 month tour. I remember the Vietnam veterans being rough and broken, but still having to fight for recognition for their service and sacrifice even into the 90's. Australia was involved due to the long standing pact that saw the U.S. defend the South Pacific during WW2. It was all part of the deal that still binds us to U.S. foreign policy.
Actually two months but yes all those that are saying he had overstayed his tour are incorrect.
To clarify my comment 6 RAR was in country from 8th May 1969 until the 12th May 1970. The incident happened on the 21st July 1969 just over two months into their tour.
The weird thing is that the Viet Cong after a while tried to stay away from wherever the Australian forces were. We went there for the wrong reasons and we treated the poor buggers who returned shabbily to our shame...
I was taught in cadets that the Vietnamese avoided fighting us because we had 25 years of experience in jungle warfare and were trained for it, while the Americans hadn't set foot in a jungle since WWII and were easier targets. A big difference between us was that our tactics were stealthy and we went out looking to catch the VC by surprise, while the Americans were loud and apparently inviting the VC to find them. The Americans were easier to find and easier to fight, while the Aussies were using similar tactics to the Vietnamese.
I was told a story by a vet about how one night his company was on a hill next to one with Americans on it. The Aussie camp was dark and silent while the Americans had lights, loud music, and a big party going on. The Americans were attacked and the Aussies "had to go save the arses of the noisy Yanks". Years later, I realised that what he described was a classic hammer & anvil tactic, so it's possible that it wasn't an accident caused by stupid Americans but a deliberate plan by the higher-ups.
One of the best anti war songs. It resonates every ANZAC Day in Australia. It reinforces the futility of the war, and the day to day battle the returning vets face to this day.
Lest We Forget.
Australians fought as units for a 12 month tour . I think 'June' was probably poetic licence.
Frankie was supposed to go home in june and stayed longer than his tour and lost his legs 20 Jul , also the rash that come and goes is from the agent orange. The chopper noise you never forget I should know for I done 39 years in the ADF.
The reference to going home in June was a poetic way of explaining how he was doing an extended tour of duty and was meant to go home in June and now he's kicked the mine... So many soldiers were held on for extended tours due to casualties etx
6 RAR was in country from 8th May 1969 until the 12th May 1970. The incident happened on the 21st July 1969 just two months into their tour. June was used purely to rhyme with moon.
This song bloody gets me every time, My father served in the Australian Army in Vietnam and had his 19th birthday there. Please watch the newer version also by The Herd, does the song justice in my opinion and even adds some emphasis.
I agree, the version with different lyrics by THE Herd is also really good & worth listening to
I hated it for a while but the more I listen to the Herd version the better it is.
The Herd brought this song to a new generation, and did it in a way that pays a lot of respect to the original
This songs chills me to the core EVERY time I hear it and often gives me a tear. ANZAC respect!!!
Watching this at 5.34am and tearing up like a baby,so much respect for these fellas who died for us
Franky kicked the mine (Franky stepped on a land mine his legs blown off and died, the same day mankind stepped on the moon/kicked the moon. god bless the Anzac's. "Lest We Forget"
I appreciate the way you back the video up a few seconds whenever you comment, so you don't miss the flow of the songs you're reacting to. A lot of other reactors seem to miss a lot of things due to not doing this. I like the way you verbalise your thought process.
He was going home in June means he stayed behind on his own accord because of how patriotic he was
Bawl my eyes out every single time I hear this iconic song
This song used to make me cry! I remember in the 60's watching my mother listening to the radio for my older brothers birthdays, and if they would be conscripted of to the Vietman war. It was such a relief none of them had to go.
I remember listening to the birthday dates which was the 2nd half of 1971 and in my year (1951) anyone who was born in July or August had more of a chance of being called up than the other months. I was Dec 2nd and I recall that there was only a couple birthdates in that month compared to July/August. I could never figure that out.
"All the way with LBJ" is why we Aussies went to Vietnam.
Redgum was an Australian BAND (not one guy), that specialised in folk and political songs. They were active from 1975 to 1990 and started with 3 Flinders University students in Adelaide. It quickly added two more members to bring the number to five, which is where it remained for most of their career, but there were times, when new members were coming in to replace leaving members, that the number of active members numbered 6 or 7 for short periods. This song is basically about a soldier sent to VIETNAM and his experiences both there and after he returned (the band formed in 1975, when the war was only recently conceded)
I turned 19 on 18 Nov 1991, and spent much of the day playing on my record player, thinking myself lucky to be the first generation of the 20th century who didn't have to go to war. The was the first GulF war going on at the time, but there was little aussie involvement, mainly the RAN IIRC, and certainly no conscription. At 18 my father was drafted, and deemed medically unfit to go to Vietnam (blind in one eye), my grandfather and older uncles served in WW2, and my great grandfather served in WW1. I was part of the first generation to not serve, and not be forced to serve via conscription. Even today, about to turn 49, I'm grateful for that.
You have a wonderful, gentle, intelligent style. Its rare. New fan here.
I hadn’t heard it in such a long time… I burst into tears. I’m 52 and was fortunate to have never have been forced into war. I’ve known many men who’s lives were destroyed by our involvement in the Vietnam war. I guess the tears were for the unclear future of my boys who may be forced to fight the way our world is going.
I remember how they were treated when they came home. It was the first war to be broadcast on live TV. We saw the reality of war. We saw our own soldiers committing atrocities for the first time and every soldier was condemned for it. That's why there were no ticker tape parades. Everyone wanted to forget. And sadly many of these men were forgotten and abandon by the governments who sent them to fight for a cause they didn't understand against an enemy they couldn't recognize. And they could not forget. There hasn't been another war like it before or since. I doubt there ever will be. Even some other vets didn't want to be associated with them. And the effects of agent orange on these men and Vietnamese people were denied by both the American and Australian governments for decades. My Dad lost a brother to it. It took him over twenty years to die of something the government said didn't exist. This song was a necessary reminder of what war really means. On Anzac Day the words "Lest we forget" is not just about remembering the fallen, it's also about why. Our leaders would prefer we forget by the time the next war comes along and they ask us to sacrifice another generation.
The song is subtitled "a walk in the light green", not "green light" as you mentioned early in the video. "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.
You gotta listen to " and the band played waltzing Matilda" by John Williamson
Give me johns version any day,Eric na.
I love the Pogues version
John's (Williamson) version is 'easier to listen to' but I think the Eric Bogle is a more 'powerful' song.
Eric Bogle does the best version I have ever heard.
The line "he was going home in June" refers to the he was probably supposed to fly out in June, but got stuck out on a long operation in the jungle, and hadn't wanted to leave his mates or couldn't .
Could've been Apollo 14 which landed in Feb. 1971.
As an Aussie the lyrics to this song are gut wrenching, gets me going every time. War is always not required, it doesn't solvce anything. Lots of innocent lives are lost and soldiers suffer after returning home.
There is another iconic song I'd like to listen to if possible, its called " And the band played Waltzing Matilda " sung by Eric Bogle
This song was for anybody who fought in it. A song for all the pointless deaths that occurred fighting in a war that done f all apart for create more enemies than there already was too begin with.
Much respect and love to our big brother country the USA and also to our sister country NZ
This song was written by Redgum's lead singer, John Schuman following a conversation he had with a Viet-War Vet; "Redgum's lead vocalist-guitarist, John Schumann, wrote the song based on experiences he heard from veterans, particularly Mick Storen (his brother in-law) and Frankie Hunt." - Wikipedia.
The politics of Redgum sat firmly on the socialist left, sitting to the Left of the Australian Labor Party(formed by the union movement). They were anti-war, anti-nuclear and highly critical of Australian politicians subservience to the USA and the UK. They weren't isolationist. Redgum's song, The Drover's Dog is about Robert "Bob" Hawke who was Prime Minister(longest serving and very popular Labor Party Prime Minister)
My favourite Redgum song is probably The Killing Floor. But I love a lot of them, I grew up on Redgum.
Let’s just say my politics are not at all a surprise, given that.
The bit about kicking a mine the day man kind kicked the moon, doesn’t have to be literal, it’s symbolic
it was literal
only month that rhymes with moon
Yes, this is Vietnam, my era. Australia, NZ and Canada are US allies. They went to war with us in Vietnam because it was in the Pacific, and so were those countries. They sacrificed a hell of a lot for us. We started it for not very good reasons, carried it on and on and on, and they died for us. The average age of US Army draftees was only 19 and it seems to me that it must have been the same for Australia. For contrast: the volunteer soldiers & Marines deployed to Iraq & Afghanistan were in their mid-20s to 30s.
This song was written about his brother that was in Vietnam.
We Australians maybe alone in the corner of the world but we stand beside our allies at all times. America, UK, New Zealand and maybe more we have your backs.
Hearing my Grandmother talk about nursing ww2 soldiers was hard, Hearing this song solidified my opposition to war. Most wars are for economic advantage only.
It's fine being opposed to war but when you're country is being attacked by totalitarian oppressive regimes you either fight back and defend or all freedom and civilisation is finished.
How much freedom and free speech is in communist Vietnam today?
"I don't know why Australia Joined" - Simple America asked us and we said yes, as usual. Well done picking up on the June/July inconsistency, nothing more than poetic licence. You should look up "The battle of long tan", see what the Aussie's faced.
Well WW2 Japan was set to invade and we realised England wouldn't/couldn't help us. Alliance with America was our only option. So for better or worse we often put our hand up to pointless wars that US goes to
Yeah there was also a strong anticommunist sentiment amongst the Menzies government who originally sent Australian troops to Vietnam, they’d actually tried to ban the Communist Party in the fifties and couldn’t due to the constitutional clause they tried to use, so they put it to a referendum which just failed. The fact that Australia was so close to the Indochinese peninsula was a useful scapegoat that the government could use against the Labor Party opposition.
It was the middle of the cold war and communism was threatening to spread throughout south east Asia.
Watch the movie "Danger Close - The Battle of Long Tan" This song is played at the end. Takes on a whole new meaning.
It is called the ANZUS (Australian new zealand and united states) treaty which was signed after ww2 to help protect the pacific ocean, we all agreed to help each other to ensure we could not be invaded again. please guys do your research before throwing around the whole we followed america blah blah blah.
I believe however the kiwis left the deal awhile ago though. its the same reason we also went to iraq and afghanistan with the yanks.
My father is a Vietnam vet. Went with RAAME before he was recruited into the SAS. Very quiet man but I listen to every word he has to tell me. A man of extreme intensity and wisdom. He never talks about his service though
Telling a story of Australians mate .tough proud and always got ya back
The line about Frankie kicking a mine the day that mankind kicked the moon.
15 minutes after the casevac chopper took him out, a radio message came through about the moon landings.
2021, I’m nearly 70 and I tear up everytime I hear this song.
I've been listening to this song ever since I was a kid & it always brings a tear to my eye
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 Queensland
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.