Thank you for singing " Goodnight Saigon " we lost our Father, Brother, Brother-in-law in Vietnam. He was a side gunner on a helicopter. We miss him, as much as everyone who lost a Brave Soldier during the Vietnam War. Thank all of you who served in our Armed Forces, and for providing this Freedom we have Today !!
That helicopter sound is the sound of the workhorse helo the Bell UH-1 Iroquois, lovingly nicknamed the "Huey". I heard this sound every day, all day long on TV News for a dozen years. To this day, I can recognize the Huey...and cry.
Aaron, I’m a military spouse, my partner flew rotor wing. We have friends who flew in Vietnam & those who fly all the way up to today. We play this song every single Memorial Day. I promise you that YOUR version will be the one we play from now on. You not only did this song proud, you made ME proud of your talent, your grace, your commitment. Please know this will be shared with all our brothers & sisters. You’ve honored us and I thank you.
What a kind and encouraging thing to say. This is my son - he was 13 at the time and had been invited back to his elementary school for their annual Veteran's Day celebration. He was invited to sing the two previous years but wanted to branch out and sing something new, and this event also grew to include more veterans. He has continued singing - has been in a couple national honors choirs as well as state and all-state choirs, and he's in a lovely high school vocal ensemble. This performance holds special memories. He really wanted it to be meaningful for those who have served. Thanks, again!
Thank you I was an air force medic and I saved a life one night it feels good knowing that man is probable enjoying life somewhere. Our 9 year old grand daughter told her teacher I was a 15 minure hero
I avoided watching this for a long time because I didn’t think a child singing this to veterans was going to do it justice and not pay the respect they deserve. I WAS WRONG. That was beautiful.
Thank you, on behalf of my son. He's been singing since he could breathe - 8 years through upper elementary through high school of voice lessons, has now found a passion in vocal jazz in college. Thank you so much for your comment!
I was in Vietnam 1969-70 when I was older. Not the average of 18 or so. 22 and like most others came back much older. I have never heard this song but in lisstening it does describe Saigon. I suppose I too look as old as these other vetereans. And, I appreciate hearing the song now. What a voice this young person has. I thank him.
Joel was never in Vietnam but he was able to write this song just by listening to his friends who fought in Vietnam - that's all we need to do, listen to their perspectives and know what they really need. Helping out war veterans may go a long way but it is not a complex art at all if more people just talked to them.
Too many people abuse our disabled and/or mentally ill and/or homeless Veterans. Too many people are lacking in sympathy, compassion and willingness to understand. Some day, when people learn it is not all about themselves, it will be too late. *God Bless Our Homeless Veterans.* Too many Veterans from the days of Vietnam are in that group.
wow. Very powerful to sing that with the veterans there. My favorite line "and who was wrong , and who was right, it didn't matter in the thick of the fight"
Damn! He was spectacular. Aaron, you did those vets proud. (and Billy Joel). You could see the emotion on those guy's faces and he so deserved that standing ovation.
WOW! That was as touching as any professional presentation--and what a great voice--he didn't miss a lick. Thank you, Aaron, for doing something I don't believe those veterans will easily forget.
I've been a musician for many years, I've performed in front of a lot of people in a lot of venues and situations. I don't know what stage fright is anymore. There is no way I could do what that kid did. Not a chance.
My uncles were in nam one delivered supplies to marines in the jungle, the other was a,seabee. My aunt was,an army nurse at a,mash type hospital, my cousin was a green beret. Very good cover of this song. The veterans seemed to like it.
Excellentendition and important for children at that age to hear it. Remembering my father..Alfred Nemirow Lieutenant in the air force Korean Conflict.
I just learned of this song a couple days ago and wow. I'm in tears and impressed with his singing ability but also how powerful this video is. To see the veterans reacting to the song is just something else.
Crying. Was a child in the 60s and there was always the war on tv and the front page every single day. When it ended I thought, hmmm, a world without war....how will that be.
That young man is blessed with an incredible voice, a beautiful heart and the ability and willingness to share his gifts. God Bless Him. Thank You Aaron. 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲
My father was a public high school teacher - 1961-1990. He wrote letters for those who didn’t want to be drafted and he wrote letters for those who were, and thought they were doing their best. This is an amazing rendition of an incredible song during an interminable time.
This was beautiful. I don't agree with the policymakers who sent our boys to Vietnam, but the courage of those veterans is the same regardless. They risked their lives to do what their country asked, and this is a wonderful tribute.
Hopefully the stupidly inexplicable RUclips algorithm will finally catch sometime soon eventually- this cover was done better than any other and it should have had a million views the first week it was uploaded
A nice version! This song gets me every time because Billy Joel just lays it out so well. There is a musician friend of all of us in our local music scene we all look up to as a mentor. He is a Vietnam combat vet. He organized the traveling 'Moving Wall" to be set up in a local historic park. It's a traveling smaller version of the Vietnam Memorial wall that goes across the country. He got a nice turnout for it, but knew a lot of his veteran buddies and acquaintances didn't come to see it. I heard from a couple who agreed that they appreciated what our friend did but they just couldn't go see it. It would be too much to bear, too emotional. That war was just crazy. So many names on that wall. It really affects you. Having watched the Ken Burns documentary you see why it was so traumatic for the soldiers who fought there. It felt like the U.S. almost treated the soldiers like they were expendable and the missions seemed recklessly dangerous. But that's a heavy topic for another day.
Aaron you did a beautiful job with your sweet voice. I can't help but to shed tears whenever I hear this song, it catches the war and what it must've been like.
Well done Young man! Certain you touched many hearts mine included. Kudos to your mentors who shared the music and recognized the amazing gift you have in speaking to our souls.
There was no directive for any school staff member to sensor the lyrics. We made a decision to change a word in light of the fact that the entire elementary student body was present for this. The change, with that in mind, was appropriate.
Very well done because it is a very difficult song of course Billy Joel can play it, and it seems easy but it is really difficult to sing, Aaron good job Greetings from the Netherlands
Billy Joel once said “I didn’t write this song. I merely repeated what veterans told me”
Wow! 🤯
Look at those Vietnam Vets...
they are being riveted by these lyrics.
God bless them, each and every one
Thank you for singing " Goodnight Saigon " we lost our Father, Brother, Brother-in-law in Vietnam. He was a side gunner on a helicopter. We miss him, as much as everyone who lost a Brave Soldier during the Vietnam War.
Thank all of you who served in our Armed Forces, and for providing this Freedom we have Today !!
Wow. I have a hard time even listening to that song. Singing it, in front of veterans no less, would totally break me up. Beautiful.
True story.
The very way those gentlemen bend their heads on the front row...on the very first notes...my God.
What kind of hell might they be taken back to ?
That helicopter sound is the sound of the workhorse helo the Bell UH-1 Iroquois, lovingly nicknamed the "Huey". I heard this sound every day, all day long on TV News for a dozen years. To this day, I can recognize the Huey...and cry.
Thank you, for your service.
I'll bet the veterans in the audience appreciated that rendition. It was beautiful.
Aaron, I’m a military spouse, my partner flew rotor wing. We have friends who flew in Vietnam & those who fly all the way up to today. We play this song every single Memorial Day. I promise you that YOUR version will be the one we play from now on. You not only did this song proud, you made ME proud of your talent, your grace, your commitment. Please know this will be shared with all our brothers & sisters. You’ve honored us and I thank you.
What a kind and encouraging thing to say. This is my son - he was 13 at the time and had been invited back to his elementary school for their annual Veteran's Day celebration. He was invited to sing the two previous years but wanted to branch out and sing something new, and this event also grew to include more veterans. He has continued singing - has been in a couple national honors choirs as well as state and all-state choirs, and he's in a lovely high school vocal ensemble. This performance holds special memories. He really wanted it to be meaningful for those who have served. Thanks, again!
❤️
This is so moving.
Hi
Thank you for your answer. His success doesn't surprise me or what he will do in another 10 years. Write any time you want
Thank you I was an air force medic and I saved a life one night it feels good knowing that man is probable enjoying life somewhere. Our 9 year old grand daughter told her teacher I was a 15 minure hero
The kid nailed it. 🇺🇸💪
I avoided watching this for a long time because I didn’t think a child singing this to veterans was going to do it justice and not pay the respect they deserve. I WAS WRONG. That was beautiful.
Thank you, on behalf of my son. He's been singing since he could breathe - 8 years through upper elementary through high school of voice lessons, has now found a passion in vocal jazz in college. Thank you so much for your comment!
I was in Vietnam 1969-70 when I was older. Not the average of 18 or so. 22 and like most others came back much older. I have never heard this song but in lisstening it does describe Saigon. I suppose I too look as old as these other vetereans. And, I appreciate hearing the song now. What a voice this young person has. I thank him.
Joel was never in Vietnam but he was able to write this song just by listening to his friends who fought in Vietnam - that's all we need to do, listen to their perspectives and know what they really need. Helping out war veterans may go a long way but it is not a complex art at all if more people just talked to them.
Too many people abuse our disabled and/or mentally ill and/or homeless Veterans. Too many people are lacking in sympathy, compassion and willingness to understand. Some day, when people learn it is not all about themselves, it will be too late.
*God Bless Our Homeless Veterans.*
Too many Veterans from the days of Vietnam are in that group.
This song tears me up every time, this rendition did the same, beautifully done young man.
wow. Very powerful to sing that with the veterans there. My favorite line "and who was wrong , and who was right, it didn't matter in the thick of the fight"
So f ing true,Aaron did a powerful job! Semper Fi!
I hope to find my Country in the right, but right or wrong MY COUNTRY
i know they were hurting hearing this rendition, but they were so stoic and reverent. Cheers to Aaron and the vets.
Man, I wish the others had sung along with him in the chorus.
Wish I would have been there to sing with him.
My step dad did 2 tours. He was a Navy fighter pilot and then participated in the evaluation of Saigon.
I lost my older brother in Viet Nam, I was in eighth grade, I have never gotten over the loss. This song always makes me cry
Aaron...my man! That was very very well done. As a Former Marine this song has a special place in my heart. I am so glad to have heard it.
Damn! He was spectacular. Aaron, you did those vets proud. (and Billy Joel). You could see the emotion on those guy's faces and he so deserved that standing ovation.
Incredible job...I spent 13 weeks on Parris Island. Semper Fidelis.
The song was sung incredibly , the salute….speechless.
Lead young man, your country needs you more than ever.
As a Veteran and a Billy Joel fan that was amazing
What a voice, and amazing tribute to those veterans.
WOW! That was as touching as any professional presentation--and what a great voice--he didn't miss a lick. Thank you, Aaron, for doing something I don't believe those veterans will easily forget.
I've been a musician for many years, I've performed in front of a lot of people in a lot of venues and situations. I don't know what stage fright is anymore. There is no way I could do what that kid did. Not a chance.
Excellent!! Bless our men and women in uniform. That young man did a fantastic job 👏
My uncles were in nam one delivered supplies to marines in the jungle, the other was a,seabee. My aunt was,an army nurse at a,mash type hospital, my cousin was a green beret. Very good cover of this song. The veterans seemed to like it.
Great job. I was over their. Made me cry
Beautiful tribute
Well done
Respect to all the veterans.
Excellentendition and important for children at that age to hear it. Remembering my father..Alfred Nemirow Lieutenant in the air force Korean Conflict.
Oh my WORD! Amazing young man. Amazing voice, really did Goodnight Saigon justice!
I just learned of this song a couple days ago and wow. I'm in tears and impressed with his singing ability but also how powerful this video is. To see the veterans reacting to the song is just something else.
This is the first time I have ever heard this song. It was outstanding.
32,000 views and 650 likes. I just can't figure people out. Much respect to the fine young man and the vets there that they were honoring.
We will never forget.... thank you to all of you nam'warriors kia pow mia. Thank you for your service. Take care and god bless.
This young man wears the uniform proudly Semper Fidelis young man!
Absolutely outstanding performance to that young man and thank you to our veterans! My father was a Vietnam Vet. 🇺🇲
God Bless Your Dad and Thank Him for his service. He was/is an honorable man. Vietnam was a terrible war to have to fight in.
He did good he nailed this
Crying. Was a child in the 60s and there was always the war on tv and the front page every single day. When it ended I thought, hmmm, a world without war....how will that be.
Great Job Aaron. This is one veteran who loves the job you did on that.God Bless you young man.
Thank you for your service
Such an amazing voice. A very brave and respectful act.
Great job kid. Those veterans were reliving as you sang
That young man is blessed with an incredible voice, a beautiful heart and the ability and willingness to share his gifts. God Bless Him. Thank You Aaron. 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲
Can never get the sound of a Huey out of my brain. UH-1/N Huey door gunner - Class of 71 & 73
He sang beautifully! Glad to see people who are even younger than me got taste for old music :) #PRICELESS!
Great rendition of a great song. Aaron was perfect. If Billy Joel was in the audience too would have applauded
Well done,son,well done!
You did a beautiful job to honor our veterans ..I feel bad for the veterans there. I’m sure that brought back awful memories.
Dude, I know 5 years old, but great performance man. Well done.
Beautifully done.
Gave me shivers, did a fantastic job, well done young man!
Amazing job young man! May God bless you for honoring our veterans in such a powerful way.
Aaron, God bless you! My spouse and brothers were in Vietnam. Thank you for sharing this.
Great job Young Man! Thank you for honoring our warriors.
My father was a public high school teacher - 1961-1990. He wrote letters for those who didn’t want to be drafted and he wrote letters for those who were, and thought they were doing their best. This is an amazing rendition of an incredible song during an interminable time.
Good job, kid.
Sweet Jesus man, you have one hell of a voice!
Beautiful voice
This was beautiful. I don't agree with the policymakers who sent our boys to Vietnam, but the courage of those veterans is the same regardless. They risked their lives to do what their country asked, and this is a wonderful tribute.
That was beautiful.
I hope this reaches Billy somehow. Well done, man! Love & Best from India
Bellissima voce complimenti
Kick ass! You would never see something like this nowadays😔🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Hopefully the stupidly inexplicable RUclips algorithm will finally catch sometime soon eventually- this cover was done better than any other and it should have had a million views the first week it was uploaded
GOD BLESS THIS FAMILY, THIS COMMUNITY AND OUR SOLDIERS! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SACRAFICES!
This young man has a great voice, especially for middle school. I hope he continued singing in high school and beyond.
Beautiful.
Great voice.
Well done, young man.
A nice version! This song gets me every time because Billy Joel just lays it out so well. There is a musician friend of all of us in our local music scene we all look up to as a mentor. He is a Vietnam combat vet. He organized the traveling 'Moving Wall" to be set up in a local historic park. It's a traveling smaller version of the Vietnam Memorial wall that goes across the country. He got a nice turnout for it, but knew a lot of his veteran buddies and acquaintances didn't come to see it. I heard from a couple who agreed that they appreciated what our friend did but they just couldn't go see it. It would be too much to bear, too emotional. That war was just crazy. So many names on that wall. It really affects you. Having watched the Ken Burns documentary you see why it was so traumatic for the soldiers who fought there. It felt like the U.S. almost treated the soldiers like they were expendable and the missions seemed recklessly dangerous. But that's a heavy topic for another day.
Aaron you did a beautiful job with your sweet voice. I can't help but to shed tears whenever I hear this song, it catches the war and what it must've been like.
Fantastic job Aaron!!!
Hard song, great job!
Well, I was crying before any of those Vets. Semper Fi
Wow, I did not expect that kinda quality of voice coming from someone so young. 10/10, good job kiddo :)
THANKS GUYS....AND WOMEN!
Absolutely beautifully sung. Well done young man.
Fantastic! Good job Aaron!
What a beautiful tribute - Thank You!
Oh I so loved that canada
Well done Young man! Certain you touched many hearts mine included. Kudos to your mentors who shared the music and recognized the amazing gift you have in speaking to our souls.
Beautiful Arron.
Randomly looking up billy joal songs and remember this and allentown off this album as just really deep songs and this kid did it justice
One of my favourite songs. I thought that this was an adult when it came on my play list. Fantastic.
Beautiful. Thank you!
Amazing performance, breathless! Thanks Aaron
Great job young man!💪🏻🇺🇸
wonderful
Hoorah Aaron... job WELL DONE...
Wonderful job! Your voice rang true and made soldiers thankful for your expression of truth
Fantastica 👍
His doesnt say Playboy but says Hash Pipe.... 🙃
this kid is amazing i wonder what all those brave gentlemen were reminiscing
i know right.
bruh.
School let him sing about violence but not playboy. Interesting.
There was no directive for any school staff member to sensor the lyrics. We made a decision to change a word in light of the fact that the entire elementary student body was present for this. The change, with that in mind, was appropriate.
Who...
gave this kid...
a thumbs down?
Grrrr.
I suspect Jane Fonda
Very well done because it is a very difficult song of course Billy Joel can play it, and it seems easy but it is really difficult to sing, Aaron good job Greetings from the Netherlands
bloody amazing. great job.
Standing Ovation (& TY for song Choice) ...that was Awesome!
Wonderful voice! Like so many Joel songs, Billy does not miss the mark!
It's a shame this upcoming generation doesn't know names like Billy Joel. The art has been lost. Very sad.
Outstanding!
Thank you guys
Beautiful
Good kid- way talented