Dusted off

 Have you listened to Redgum's song, "I was only 19" yet?

The song references many of the places we will be visiting on our upcoming trip to Vietnam. Locations such as Vung Tau, Nui Dat and the Grand Hotel (where we will actually be staying).

The lyrics also features the lines "But you wouldn't let your mates down 'til they had you dusted off

So you closed your eyes and thought about somethin' else"

So, what does being "dusted off" actually mean?

Dusted off" was a term from the Vietnam War, referring to the urgent evacuation of wounded soldiers by medical helicopters.

These helicopters, often marked with a red cross, symbolized courage as they risked enemy fire to rescue the injured.

The term represented both survival and loss, embodying the commitment to never leave a fallen comrade behind.

Decades later, it remains a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made and the enduring bonds forged in wartime.