PTSD15 Special Recording "I Was Only 19" John Schumann
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 10 сен 2015
- This is a very special recording of John Schumann and the Australian Army Band performing "I Was Only 19." The video was first presented at the RSL PTSD15 Gala Dinner.
Thank you John. As an American Vietnam Vet, your song brought 50 years of suppressed tears up front. Thank you Australian Vietnam Vets, thanks for your service and for coming home.
John you did way more than you can ever know. I'm only a 29 year old year Aussie but I cry at I was Only 19. My Grandparents flew for the RAF and had PTSD. I still have their dogtags.
Thank you John. I am 29, and while I have never seen the horror of war itself, I have learned how our Vietnam vets were treated, and it disgusted me.
It is why, along with our passed ANZACs, our surviving WWII vets and our current servicemen and women, and peacekeepers, I pay a particular thank you to any Vietnam veterans I see on ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day.
These men in particular, came back with horrors that, for so long, were dismissed or never got treated.
Psychological injuries are things we also need to treat, and, yes, it doesn't make one weak, it makes one human.
So, as much as I say "thank you for your service" to our veterans every year, I give a "thank you for your service" to you John, for giving our veterans (Vietnam and otherwise) a voice, and someone that listens, even if it is in the form of a 4 min song.
I am one of the firstborn of a WWII veteran who joined the war near the end. Dad was on HMAS Australia, the Battleship, the pride of the fleet. It was the first ship hit by Kamakazies, and after a refit by Americans, they joined the American 5th Fleet for the liberation of the Philippines. As they neared, they were hit by 5 Kamakazies in 3 days. My Dad was injured, reportedly only minor. There was no concept of PTSD after WWII, and we are part of the intergenerational pain from WWII.
First time I heard this song it hit hard. I spent 15+ years in the U.S. Army as a Scout and Infantry. I was 19 the first time I deployed in 1997 to Bosnia as a NATO Peacekeeper followed by tours in Iraq in 04-05 and 09-10. My uncle did two tours in Nam U.S. Navy Riverboat patrol. Im the only one in the family he ever talked to about Vietnam because I understood
Thank you for this song, Sir. Makes me realize no one is alone....35 years in a concrete jungle....Republic of Western Canada
Ex MP Royal Regina Rifles here. WELCOME HOME to any who never heard it!
I am an American Vietnam Veteran. I am with you brother! I also was 19. Rings so true.
Im a Vietnam Vet , I'm 74 now , when I was about 50+ I was walking down the hallway in my house and suddenly just fell too my knees and started balling my eyes out. Though I was going insane.. Turns out it was just after ANZAC DAY here in Australia. Eventually I was told of PTSD and reluctantly accepted it. Only after a reunion where I saw myself in all my class mates.
My mother had an uncle who went to Korea, major alcoholic, but my mom remembers him being really kind, protective, wouldn’t let anything happen to her. He might’ve come home, but korea didn’t leave him, my mom remembers him waking up in the middle of the night sobbing quietly. Passed away when I was real young due to complications relating to his liver.
Also much love for my commonwealth brothers 🇨🇦🇦🇺
What a legend this man continues to be! What a brilliant, perhaps accidental, advocate for our young men returning from a world of hurt! He needs our support and help! He should be given a medal before half these Australians of the year who are no more than 'the flavour of the month'! He is an Australian of an ERA!
i have few mates who suffer from PTSD, former British Army one got it in Northern Ireland the other from Afghanistan, They both are getting help, and are coping.
Respect to those diggers who have served, they are good soldiers, From a former British soldier AeM
Had the absolute and complete honour of meeting this man today and it was all I could do to not hug him randomly in a public place. Thank you,John, for saving my life all those years ago and still being able to help others. We thank you.
That musthave been amazing.
Thank you for sharing this. I hope the Aussies have the same VA benefits for PTSD that we do NOW. 50 years ago we didn’t.
Few people know what war is really like. Few know what its like having a building dropped on your head. About five years ago I was unlucky to experience both at the same time in Afghanistan. I never let my PTSD bother me, the help groups, friends, family and other fellow serviceman, helped me. I've over come it, but there are times it gets 'triggered'. I cannot sleep or stay in small, dark spaces without knowing that there is way out. I was only a twenty, now in my mid twenties and I've come to peace with it, But many never got the help like I did, Many never fought there demons to moved on.
Thank you for this special song, John, this song did more service for vets than anything.
I'm an American Army Veteran of Viet Nam. Thanks for posting this. I wish someone would tell John Schumann thanks from one U.S. Army Veteran. It was a long time ago but it comes back...almost every night.
Paul Mowery take care
I wish there was a way to take it all away ....every night! Thank You for what you gave....
THANK YOU! For all you gave, so we all had the freedoms we enjoy today! If I could, I'd give you a great big hug every day!
And from another Vietnam Vet. '68-'69. Please tell him Thank You.
Paul Mowery G’Day mate, it. Won’t go away, but that is just a reminder your special. We vets who fought at the sharp end all endure the same thing every day. Keep fighting
All the best
Thanks from an Angolan war vet. Your lyrics hit me hard the 1st time I listened to this amazing song. Salute you John.
Special thanks from NZ, John. Kiwis in that theatre went through similar trials back home. They are included in Memorial Day and Anzac observances, now. You played a part in that, too. Best, from Leonard’s friend David.
Thank You John Schumann !
It was 54 years ago that I left The Republic That Once Was Vietnam. A sight, a sound, a smell and I'm back there. I had a bad drream a few months ago. It was King Cobra biting the back of my leg. The Mrs. awoke to my yelling. I could feel the bite. My feet were on my pillow and my head was where my feet should have been. She hears me sometimes mumbling in a lingo that she doesn't understand.
understand
Served in Nam 68-69. Thank you for this telling song. God Bless you sir.
Thankyou
I’ve already commented but this song should be number in the US. Tears ever time I hear. 173rd Airborne 67-68 😢😢😢😢🇦🇺🇺🇸🇳🇿🙏
Absolutely mate. It is the best song for any veterans or serving members.
that true and number one in Australia and told in schools
Thank you.... I'm an Aus Army veteran. This song has always been bittersweet for me, but your points here make a shitload of sense. Thank you, its clear you truly understand what it all means
Makes me miss my uncle
All respect to 3RAR
I have an old Army buddy of mine who is wrestling with PTSD every day. I love that quote that “having PTSD doesn’t mean you’re weak, it means you’re human” as it aptly describes my buddy. He’s a great guy, tough as nails on the outside but wounded inside. Thanks for the song.
I thank John Schumann for this splendid song. It is spot on. I enlisted in the USMC years ago and arrived in The Republic That Once Was Vietnam SEP 1966. I was diagnosed with STSD years after I left Country. I recently had a duesy of a bad dream earlier this week. My feet were on my pillow and my head at the end of my bed. My wife shook me till I awoke. It was been 54 years since I left The Republic That Once Was Vietnam. We didn't get a warm welcome when We came Home. I've got a bad knee and a severe hearing loss. I'm greatfull to GOD ALMIGHTY that I'm still able to walk and some things aren't worth listening to anyway. I got off cheap. I salute those fine Lads that fought with US down South long ago. WELL DONE !
Thankyou for your service bro
just brilliant..
someone who really has an understanding of PTSD..
I still cry
That was great
"We don't know them all but we owe them all."
A friend of mine pointed me at this video.I worked, as a Dutch, with Aussies at Camp Holland in Afghanistan and I can only say these are brave men and women.My respect to them and Australia. I salute you all
Respected nothing else to say
Thankyou for your service
Never worked with the Dutch there but only heard great things from other Aussies.
Thanks John, DVA don't really want to know. My PTSD has just been compounded by the passing of my wife of 50 years.(52 together) I Look forward to marching this ANZAC Day and can guarantee I will cry like a baby. Love to all Vets out there who feel deserted. Join your local RSL and chew the fat with your mates.
Much love ♥️ and thankyou for your service ♥️♥️
Please reach out to one of the support groups around, I'm sure it'll help you a great deal.
This is such an important video. RUclips shouldn’t interrupt this message with an ad
I wish RUclips recommended this when it came out. Just saw it today, bloody awesome, mate.
Your song fits all vets. Fortunately I'm not one with PTSD but know many who are. Big thumbs up from Canada.
Absolutely beautiful song. Talking about PTSD. Awareness and aftermath that comes with serving. Great song!
Right on, I denied my PTSD to myself and other for decades because I didn't want to feel weak.
Hang in there, Mike. 👍
Thank you for this 💔😢💕🇦🇺💗 so proud of all of them Lest We Forget 👏👍
Only took 50 years for Wrong Side of Heaven to come out and finally have another song about PTSD that could stand beside this one.
As a Vietnam vet this song is amazing😢🙏🇺🇸🇦🇺
Thankyou for your serbice
Just found this. To everyone who's suffering i hope you get the help needed.
I have so many members of my family, men and women who have served in the Army and Air Force since Korea.
I wonder now how much they've never told us.
Take a bow John Schumann. Thank you
Thanks a lot for this song it brings back memories of when I was in battle and all the brave men that died beside me in the Battle of Bangui, things only catch you when you expect it the least, beside this song every time I hear the bagpipes play Amazing Grace it bring tears to my eyes. Thanks a lot John
Thank you John.
Take a bow John Schumann. Thank you
I still cry
Thank you John Schumann You have made a difference for so many by these words and what you have done.
great john you prove songs can change the world you do such fine subtle work
What a champion bless you mate !!!
You wrote a song that I'll never forget. Not an Aussie, but American. We were lied to.
Never fails to take me back, and bring tears..which brings some release,,...,M...
just brilliant..
someone who really has an understanding of PTSD..
Sends chills down my spine still thanx for posting
Thanks for this John Schumann, Redgum, all involved.... and especially to the veterans. We owe you more than we can ever give.
Absolute hard hitting perfection.❤
Thank you sow much for doing this for all the military and throd family and friends two
Me dad serve in Nam I see psd to passed away
Hate a war, hate a government but never hate on your nation's service personnel as they just do what they are told to do and they do a job that's necessary that many others won't or can't do.
Thank you John. 1 Aust Field Hospital, Vung Tau 1968-69. You helped mate.
Oh wow, that doesn't sound fun at all. One of my mates father quit the clergy to go to vietnam, where he served as a medic, and he was pretty fucked up about it. Old boy still has nightmares about all the body bags flled with mostly dead americans and a fair few aussies too.
Thankyou medics the bravest of the brave
@@davidwyatt1088 Thanks David and yes I still see the Army Psychologist once every 5 weeks. Never been able to get the sight of all that blood and chaos out of my mind. It still hurts today but I thank my wife of 54 years for staying with me.
Those brave men who arrived home from Vietnam......I hope the filthy vermin who gave these great men such an awful welcome, sit back and regret their actions.....Well done, your actions are remembered and held in high regard
Well said mate 👍🏻
Wish my cousin had seen this before he passed - he was at Iraq & Kosovo & from what I heard he saw some shocking sights he suffered a lot. RIP Anthony
A truly great song, sung from the heart.
My uncle Ray ward was in Vietnam war with 5th battalion royal Australian regiment at battle of binh ba in 1969
John, I'll just say that your message to those who fought then, those who fight now, and, sadly, those who will fight in the future, is incredibly important. Yes, there are worse things than war...But those who fight in wars are forever marked. Let's all do the best we can, as humans, for these heroes. They stood up for you when no one else would. Will you stand up for them now?
A great song and well done John in bringing light to an awful reality. And Im not trying to take anything away from the vets, as you said they gave the highest sacrifice for Australia and deserve respect. I would be even more moved if the destruction that was laid (in this case on Vietnam and the Vietnamese) was acknowledged. Their suffering was immense and widely felt, to this day it is still creating misery.
The tropical jungle that was burned and poisoned may one day regain some of its former glory, though it is unlikely. And in some ways the children and other non-combatants that were poisoned, bombed or shot were the luckier victims compared with those born long after the conflict to a life of deformity and suffering several generations down the track.
I agree we need to look after the vets, treat them with respect, help them to heal, recognise that they were victims of a dreadful war and while we are at it lets do the same for the rest of the victims. Maybe if the governments were held to account and had to pay the real cost of war they wouldnt be so keen get involved.
I still cry
not only Aussies walking in their tracks but all ANZACS
I'm English born in England South London 1966 and I'm 57 and I have family in australia and all over the world
We should all live in peace and enjoy each others country
I flew many combat missions in Vienam 69 - 70 with the RAN-HFV attached to the US Army 135th as an Experimental Military Unit, EMU, and this special recording to me is unique in the way it has touched raw nerves. I share your thoughts Gabriel. It may be a little late now but through the Vietnam Requiem which is produced by the 'Flowers of War' the plight of those Vietnamese who had to flee their country is addressed. The Vietnam Requiem, performed in Canberra early June 21 will be the third in a series of seven that is being created that will form a full collection of music as a living memorial for all the major conflicts that Australia has been involved in that seeks to demonstrate the cost of war through the power of music. Chris Latham, the Director and creator of the concert is the Artist in Residence at the Australian War Memorial and has already, prior to this created the WWI Collection (that was a collaboration with the Australian, French and German governments) and because 2021 marks 50 years from our withdrawal from Vietnam it was appropriate timing to focus on the Vietnam War. The full orchestral performance, choir and several familiar popular music soloists such as Little Pattie, Normie Rowe and John Schumann of ‘Redgum’ will perform (as the former two did then for us there). So hopefully your thoughts and feelings may be, in some little way, now be satisfied.
Your song carried on more than just Vietnam. True story
Minor skirmishes in the border areas of the former South-West Africa (now Namibia) in 1966 between apartheid-era white security police aligned slightly with the West, and black insurgents, so-called terrorists aligned strongly with Moscow, lead to a protracted but low-key war similar in some ways to the Vietnam War - recce soldiers, the South African equivalent of American Navy SEALS or LURPS (long-range reconnaissance patrols) - sent the ears of deceased enemies back home in envelopes, or hung them as necklaces, gruesome souvenirs of their kills. There were also other similarities between the two wars, but the terrain was entirely different - verdant humid jungle versus straw-coloured, dry shrubs and bushes in winter.
The biggest few operations by the SADF were Operations in Angola in 1976, 1980 (Operation Skeptic), 1981 / 1982 (Operation Protea) and 1987 - 1988 (Operations Hooper, Modular and Packer). There were also farm murders, operations and skirmishes in the Ovamboland region of SWA / Namibia. About 1800 SADF troops were killed - a small, low-key war, but the kill ratio was about 1 : 20 in their favour. My dad was in the operational areas just before Operation Skeptic began, and he had, amongst others, flown on a recce mission over enemy territory, operated surgically on combat casualties as an army doctor, seen a freedom fighter fall out of a tree from sniper fire, and witnessed three coffins next to his barrack, in which were the corpses of three friends he had made in the army pub the night before, and who were killed in a military aircraft crash-and-burn.
He was not de-briefed by a panel of psychologists upon his return to civvy life, as should normally be the case, and he slid into a deep depression only worsened by his recent and incurable blood sugar disease, hyperglycemia. He checked himself into a hotel in the CBD of Cape Town and effectively euthanized himself, committing suicide at the tender age of just 40. I cried a lot at his funeral, of course, but the full impact of the circumstances and his state of mind surrounding his death only impacted me many decades later.
When patriotism bravery and humanity intersect.
Recently I had the pleasure of chatting to a US Vet in a Vietnam travel forum where he shared some pictures from his time there. Vũng Táo came up and the following (slightly redacted) conversation ensued:
ME: Only afterwards I realised that I had heard the name hundreds of times in one of my favourite songs. My GF took me there on a day trip.
HIM: Yes, that is the best way. You say Rạch Giá is in the song? Went to Vũng Tàu on my last trip.
ME: No, Vũng Tàu and Núi đạt where the Aussies based. Battle of Long Tân.
HIM: Long Tan?? Danger Close???
ME: It’s a song about the war and later was recognised for also describing PTSD.
HIM: I was only 19? The song was also in the movie.
ME: Correct.
HIM: know that song well, its home
Thanks for the song for it has he power to reach deep inside the heart were Fear, Pain, Love , Dreams and Hope Lives and were some say Angle fear to tread.
Bless all vets no matter what nation they come from for some have pure hearts and belie their on the side of God or the nation
that sent them to war in the name of God and country & when a nation fails its Vets its people are just one step away from the same torment
Thanks and bless all
I was 17 when my Draft Number was picked ( 1970), USA . It was 245. I knew I didn't have to go and I was scared to go due to the stories I heard from my friends that went. Yes that means I was a freaking chicken. I've hated myself ever since those days. I should have gone and enlisted. I will never forgive myself and while this song brings back memories of those days , it's not good days for me. I never felt that the Vet's from any country were mistreated by me, others - yes they were terribly mistreated.
Where I worked, in the Afghanistan war, was considered essential to the war effort . I worked as a 1st. Class Machinist making parts that were essential for Navy Ships . I was about 35 . Still can't talk about what I made, even today ( I'm 70 now). But I wanted to pay back the debt I owed my country and the Vet's of every war.. Never got the chance. I have Severe Heart Disease, Rheumatoid/Arthritis , Bad Kidneys, bad liver. I'm a freaking wreck , maybe it's the payback for what I didn't do. Thanks for listening . You can hate me, and I'll understand why .
Can't hate you mate, you were picked for a misguided cause. War is something that is done by politics that others get caught up in.
You're not weak sir, you were young, and indeed, a child. Just because it was drafting makes no difference. Had it been enlistment and you'd said your actual age of 17, they'd have turned you away.
I heard so many names of young soldiers, children as young as 14, who lied and went off to WWI, when I heard of those we stood to remember at the Dawn Service on ANZAC Day, yesterday.
All I could help thinking was, "Lives lost for a great misguided plan."
You served your country in other ways, later in life, and that is commendable. So let go of the load, soldier. You still did service.
You are not weak, you are not chicken, you are human. You still sign a blank check.
From the Aussie daughter of a sapper who volunteered in the NZ Territorial Forces.
🙏 thank you sir
Dave cafferatta .
guys than you all for you guys service
Thanks mates.
Thanks John Schumann your song means so much to so many.
Thank you, not all came home, Lest We Forget
Awesome.
That was great
Im a later vet, from the mid nineties.. I was only 19 still makes me cry, for all my dead mates and myself.
Well done...very well done.
well done mate made me tear up
In regard to the vet in rural Queensland "the bastards" lying to him were doctors empliyed by Veteran's Affairs Australia . That organisation needs a complete clean-out ! Nothing has changed still happening today with vets fron Iraq .Afghanistan etc .
Wow.
One of my old teachers had a veitnam vet freind and he was asleep at high park in Sydney and he heard some Vietnamese people talking and he thought he was back in nam
...awesome
i am a Canadian Army Veteran of two combat zones Gulf War and Bosnia and i am a female in the Canadian Army you can be in combat arms and as a female also. Would someone please tell that Females also have PTSD from war
Jane Simmonds PhD Thank you for your service. I hope you find your peace soon.
Yeah we know. No one is saying they don't.
I know several female soldiers, one in particular right now is having a very hard time of her PTSD. No one said they didn't serve or didn't have it. Hope you are able to find peace soon, and thankyou for serving. :)
My wife served in Iraq had to shoot a 9 year old combatant. So many other vets made up stories about how they went through something worse than her. Basically trying to shame her into submission and she felt her deeds in battle were lesser. Warriors are warriors. We should support not shame each other. Thank you for YOUR service warrior.
Thank you for your service to the Canadian Army, beautiful, from an Aussie with Canadian relatives.
Yes, it is not exclusive to men. It still amazes me that Australia didn't allow women onto front lines until 2016.
Nonetheless, the song can be used universally among veterans, John was just telling his own brother-in-law's story.
Once again, thank you for your service to the maple leaf and Canada.
Lest we forget
Had friends older brothers go, never came back whole. Was shameful how they were treated after being forced to war... most couldn't sleep without marijuana to stop the dreaming. Saw neighbour. Ex marine as he married Aussie nurse, gained citizenship. Every time a thunder and lightning storm hit, could see him stalking with his kbar round his house. We were friends ... and it was tragic.
PTSD is not limited to the military however. When you have seen friends decapitated crashing a motorbike under a vw combie, worked construction and seen people you know fall off building or into a lift well,
The memories never leave your subconscious. My sympathies... I lived on Mt tambourine and drove to canungra pub for a meal and a beer . Had a load of rocks delivered from canungra. Was lucky. There were only 2 eastern taipans. One for each hand.
Must have been fun jungle training there. Rumours of the yanks leaving panther mascots still abound.
just 1 more secord
Australia is a great ally to the US! Thank you all for your service!
Terrorism Central doesnt deserve the support of young men and women of other countries.. The US is so totally and morally corrupt it needs to get its own act together before dictating to any one else
Thank you. What more is there to say?
Wants Australia all ways Australia.
Yup
I have never been to war but I suffer PTSD I lost great great uncle's in World war 1 but I have seen brutal thing's from 8 year's of age to my age now at 35 panel 75 Canberra war museum
Unfortunately our vets are continually getting ignored and mistreated by the very government that sent them to war. Jut disgusting. xx
Yeah it still happens. I've had an american mate , an Iraq vet, suicide (gassed himself in his car), because he wasn't able to get help from the veteran department thing they have over there. We just don't fucking learn our lessons.
today the world celibates a man landing on the moon! No one one will thinK of frankie today. I will !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
South americans die in Vietnam too my uncle José Paez from Ecuador 🇪🇨 was killed in Vietnam 1970
Ecuador fought in Vietnam?
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
We made the same mistake again!
Honour our fallen, don't shun them into the fringes of society. We are together, We are free!
R I p
After 911, 3 of us went to sign up . Im the only one left alive.