Our charity visit

 Hi everyone.

As you would have seen on our itinerary, on Friday 19 April, we will be visiting an orphanage school.

The charity that runs this is called AVVRG Foundation - Australian Vietnam Volunteer Resource Group.

The Foundation was started in 1994 by Mr Paul Murphy, an Australian Vietnam war veteran, who was concerned about the condition of the social and physical infrastructure in Vietnam as a consequence of a prolonged war and the country’s 20 year isolation from the West.

Read more about the story here.

Remembering Vietnam: The Impact of "I Was Only 19" by Redgum

 Have you ever heard of the song "I was only 19"?

"I Was Only 19" by Adelaide band Redgum, is a poignant anthem that vividly captures the experiences of Australian soldiers during the Vietnam War. Released in 1983, the song resonated deeply with a nation grappling with the aftermath of the conflict and the toll it took on its young soldiers.

The song's lyrics, narrated from the perspective of a young digger, paint a haunting picture of the physical and psychological scars left by war. From the sweltering jungles of Vietnam to the nightmares that follow, the song depicts the harsh realities faced by soldiers who were often barely more than teenagers when they were thrust into the brutality of combat.

One of the most striking aspects of "I Was Only 19" is its raw honesty. It doesn't romanticize war but instead exposes its brutal truths—the fear, the loss, and the trauma that lingers long after the guns fall silent. The line "God help me, I was only nineteen" encapsulates the sentiment of a generation of young men who were sent to war and forever changed by it.

The impact of "I Was Only 19" on Australian society cannot be overstated. It became an anthem for veterans, their families, and all those affected by the Vietnam War. The song sparked conversations about the toll of war on mental health, leading to greater awareness and support for veterans suffering from PTSD and other war-related trauma.

"I Was Only 19" contributed to a broader cultural shift in Australia, where the Vietnam War went from a divisive and often ignored chapter in history to a subject of reflection and remembrance. It encouraged a more nuanced understanding of the war's impact and the sacrifices made by those who served.

Find out more about the story of the song here.

The song was also used in the movie Danger Close, the Battle of Long Tan. Check it out here.

Remembering the Battle of Long Tan: A Significant Chapter in Australian History

The story of Long Tan

On Friday 19 April, we will be visiting the Long Tan Cross Memorial Site. 

Premier's Anzac Spirit School Prize awardees at Long Tan in 2019

The Battle of Long Tan stands as a reminder of courage, sacrifice, and resilience in the annals of Australian military history. Fought on August 18, 1966, this battle holds immense importance to the Australian people, shaping national identity and honouring the valour of those who served.

At the heart of the Battle of Long Tan was D Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR), comprising young men who found themselves in a fierce confrontation against overwhelming enemy forces. Surrounded by dense jungle in Phuoc Tuy Province, Vietnam, these Australian soldiers displayed remarkable bravery and determination in the face of adversity.

The battle unfolded as a small group of Australian soldiers encountered a much larger North Vietnamese and Viet Cong force. Despite being outnumbered and facing heavy artillery fire, D Company held their ground tenaciously. Through skilled leadership, effective teamwork, and individual acts of heroism, they withstood wave after wave of enemy attacks.

One of the defining moments of the Battle of Long Tan was the role played by artillery support from the nearby Australian base at Nui Dat (where will also be visiting). The accurate and timely fire support provided crucial relief to the besieged troops, turning the tide of the battle in favour of the Australians.

The significance of the Battle of Long Tan highlights the valour and sacrifice of Australian servicemen, many of whom were young and inexperienced but rose to the occasion with courage and determination. Their actions exemplified the Anzac spirit of mateship, loyalty, and resilience in the face of adversity.

The Official Long Tan website gives further insight into the Battle and showcases several excellent documentaries made about the battle.

Peter's Fitzsimmons book, "Battle of Long Tan", also provides a unique and thoroughly researched account of the battle. It brings to life the personal stories of the men who fought, the events leading up to that memorable battle and the long war that followed, and the political decisions made in the halls of power that sealed their fates.

Commemorating Long Tan

The Battle continues to hold a place of honour in Australia's military heritage, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served in Vietnam and acknowledging the lasting impact of war on veterans and their families. Commemorative events and memorials dedicated to Long Tan continue to draw Australians together in remembrance and reflection.

Vietnam Veterans Day is commemorated on 18 August every year. The day was originally known as Long Tan Day.  Find out more at:

Vietnam Veterans' Day 18 August - Anzac Portal (dva.gov.au)

Vietnam Veterans Day | Australian War Memorial (awm.gov.au)

Just a few words go a long way!

Have a go!

It is important that when we are inter-acting with the Vietnamese community, we can speak some of the language - just a little to show that we are trying to engage with the culture of Vietnam.  As well as the health and safety aspect of being able to communicate with those around us, it is in the spirit of the trip that you try to learn some very basic phrases such as the following:

Hello.
Chào. (jow)

Please.
Làm ơn cho tôi. (lam uhhn jaw thoye)

Thank you.
Cảm ơn. (gam uhhn)

Yes.
Vâng (affirmative). (vuhng); Dạ (affirmative, respectful) (ya'a) ; Đúng (correct) (duhn)

No.
Không. (kohng)

Goodbye.
Chào. (jow)

Do you speak English?
Biết nói tiếng Anh không? (bee-IT noh-Y thee-IHNG ayng kohng)

Help!
Cứu (tôi) với! (gih-OO (thoy) vuh-y!)

I don't understand.
Tôi không hiểu. (thoy kohng hee-oh)

Where is the toilet?
Cầu tiêu ở đâu? (goh thee-oh uh duh-oh)

Those of you on the trip with a real "feel" for languages will go even further than these basic phrases/word!  

The following two videos will also help you negotiate talking some of the Vietnamese language.  Please have a go! It's ok if you struggle with the language, but always try when in Vietnam to say a few words, such as thank you etc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ol-SxJgOSQs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deettRsJZOg

Feel free to find other on-line videos that help you to speak Vietnamese.

Some more words and pronunciations - plus reasons for learning the phrase/word

Hello – Xin chao (sin chow) and Goodbye – Tam Biet (tam byet)

This is the best introductory and a polite ending to any conversation. Not only that, when partnered with a gentle bow, this may be a way to show respect or gratitude to the locals.

My name is – Toi la (toy la)

This always come in handy when you just arrived and about to take your reserved room. And when you are meeting someone for the first time, they would be impressed that you have introduced yourself in Vietnamese language.

Thank you – Xin Cam on (sin gahm un)

If there is one word you should always remember when you are in Vietnam, it is how to say ‘thank you’. When you are using the Vietnamese language when thanking someone from the local, it more felt and appreciated.

Yes – Vang (vung) and No – Khong (khome)

There may also be instances when a local understands a bit of English language but find it difficult to speak. Thus, when you ask something and they say one of these words, you now know the answer to your question.

Excuse me/Sorry – Xin loi (sin loy)

This is very useful when you want to catch someone’s attention or have done something wrong and would want to apologize. Either way, just like ‘Aloha’ in Hawaii, make sure that you use the word in a correct manner.

Can you help me? – Ban giup toi duoc khong? (ban zoop thoy duc khom)

This is the golden word for many of the travellers who’s lost in a foreign land. Make sure that before you even land in the airport of Vietnam, you have memorized that phrase. This phrase never failed to be a life saver for any tourist in Vietnam.

Good – Tot (thote) and Bad – Khong tot (khome thote)

What better else to know if you have done something wrong than asking them yourself. This is also useful when you are uncertain on what to do and asks an assistance from a local.

How much? – Bao nhieu (bow nyew)

Vietnam is not only rich in majestic scenery but it also home of colorful fabrics and various handicrafts which is always a good souvenir.

Hotel – Khack San (khack san)

When you are having difficulty to find your hotel, just say this magic word along with the name of the hotel to the taxi cab driver and you’ll be on your way.

Australia's Vietnam War

 

Hi all.

This website is certainly well worth a look at in our lead up to Vietnam, in particular the Battle Map.

The Australia’s Vietnam War website was created by the Military Operations Analysis Team (MOAT) at the University of New South Wales (Canberra).

It provides a unique way of exploring the Vietnam War in great detail, through the use of an interactive Battle Map.

The aim of the website is to enrich the history of the Vietnam War for future generations.

The soundtrack of the Vietnam War

The Vietnam War era was a turbulent time in history, characterized by political unrest and social upheaval. Amidst the chaos, music emerged as a poignant expression of the era's sentiments. Songs like Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Fortunate Son" and Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind" continue to evoke the struggles and aspirations of that time, even for those who didn't live through it.

Music during this period served as a form of protest, challenging the status quo with anthems like Edwin Starr's "War." Simultaneously, it offered solace and solidarity for soldiers, providing a brief respite from the harsh realities of war.

What makes music from this era enduringly powerful is its ability to capture the complexities of the human experience. Whether it's the raw intensity of Jimi Hendrix's guitar solos or the bittersweet nostalgia of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water," these songs resonate with universal themes of love, loss, and longing.

The timeless relevance of music from the Vietnam period is striking. Despite changes in political and social contexts, the themes explored in these songs remain pertinent today. In an age of renewed political polarization and global unrest, the music of the Vietnam era reminds us of art's power to inspire change and unite us in our shared humanity.

You may wish to create a playlist of songs that were part of the Australian airwaves during the Vietnam War period. Here are some suggestions:

• The Wild One by Johnny O’Keefe (1959)

• He's My Blonde‐Headed, Stompie Wompie, Real Gone Surfer Boy by Little Pattie (1963)

• It Ain’t Necessarily So by Normie Rowe and the Playboys (1965)

• Shakin’ All Over by Normie Rowe and the Playboys (1965)

• Que Sera, Sera by Normie Rowe and the Playboys (1965)

• Smiley by Ronnie Burns (1969)

• You Can’t Hurry Love by The Supremes (1966)

• Green, Green Grass of Home by Tom Jones (1967)

• We Gotta Get Out of This Place by The Animals (1965)

• I Feel Like I’m Fixin’ To Die Rag by Country Joe and the Fish (1967)

• Leaving on a Jet Plane by Peter, Paul, and Mary (1969)

• Detroit City by Bobby Bare (1963)

• Purple Haze by The Jimi Hendrix Experience (1967)

• Fortunate Son by Creedence Clearwater Revival (1969)

•  (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding (1968)

• The Letter by The Box Tops (1967)

• Chain of Fools by Aretha Franklin (1967)

• Say It Loud—I’m Black and I’m Proud by James Brown (1968)

• These Boots Are Made for Walkin’ by Nancy Sinatra (1966)

• What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye (1970)

• Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash (1963)

• And When I Die by Blood, Sweat, and Tears (1969)

• My Girl by The Temptations (1965)

• Reflections of My Life by Marmalade (1969)

• The Ballad of the Green Berets by SSgt Barry Sadler (1966)

• Blowin’ in the Wind by Bob Dylan (1963)

• I Ain’t Marching Anymore by Phil Ochs (1965)

• Eve of Destruction by Barry McGuire (1965)

• Lyndon Johnson Told the Nation by Tom Paxton (1965)

• Waist Deep in the Big Muddy by Pete Seeger (1967)

• Alice’s Restaurant Massacree by Arlo Guthrie (1967)

• Backlash Blues by Nina Simone (1967)

• Saigon Bride by Joan Baez (1967)

• Handsome Johnny by Richie Havens (1967)

• 2+2=? by The Bob Seger System (1968)

• Imagine by John Lennon (1971)

• Vietnam by Jimmy Cliff (1970)

• Ohio by Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young (1970)

• War by Edwin Starr (1970)

If you have not already done so, we suggest you watch the great 1987 movie titled ‘Good Morning Vietnam’. Many of you would have already seen the movie, but some of the scenes with the music of the time playing on the radio really gives an insight to the importance of the musical link with home for the soldiers and nurses. Robin Williams is amazing in the role of the DJ Adrian Cronauer (loosely based on the truth) and it really is one of those iconic movies from the 80’s (about the 60’s and 70’s in Vietnam).