song and a
The video is a tribute to the Australians who served and died in the Vietnam War 1962 - 1973.
served in Vietnam. 520 died
and close to 2,400
were wounded.
It is
important to
highlight that many young men were conscripted to serve in Vietnam.
From 1965 to
1972, 19,450 national servicemen served in the Vietnam War, with 202
killed
and 1,279 wounded. The
National Service Scheme was abolished on 5 December 1972.
43
Australian Army
nursing sisters were sent to Vietnam
between April 1967 and November 1971,
undertaking tours of up to twelve
months. The nurses were assigned to a military hospital in a war zone
with no advance preparation for what they'd encounter: caring for
horrifically injured soldiers straight off
the battlefield,
understaffed, using basic equipment and often in difficult working
conditions.
About 210
Australian nurses traveled to South Vietnam between 1964 and 1972 to
care for
injured
civilians during the war.
Many Australian entertainers went to Vietnam to
entertain
the troops and were gratefully received.
Everymans Welfare and Australian Services Canteens, were greatly appreciated by Australians who
served in Vietnam.
Over 100,000 Australians have lost their lives in the service and defence of our country. Along with
their mates, they're marching once again, in the towns and cities, across our great land.
song does not glorify war or endorse conflict of any kind. The song simply highlights the sacrifice of many
Australians who died in the service and defence of our country in war.
The song has been used for commemorative purposes across Australia by schools, churches,
choirs, bands, councils, retirement homes, military services, RSL branches and ANZAC tributes at NRL
& AFL matches. The author allows the song to be used for free for commemorative purposes.
Radio stations throughout Australia have broadcast the song leading up to ANZAC Day and
Remembrance Day.
The song is also requested to be played at funerals (for veterans).
your own copy of the song at no cost. To download you must right click on 'Click here' and then click on
'Save Link As...' Then choose a folder on your computer where you want the mp3 file downloaded to.
You can click here to download the words to the song (pdf file).
Sheet music can be emailed to you for no cost for commemorative ceremonies. Click here to be sent
sheet music. As well as standard sheet music, there is individual sheet music for piano, solo voice, trumpet,
electric guitar, bass guitar, choir and drum kit. NEW: Full arrangement now available. Includes all
instruments (piano, trumpet, electric guitar, bass guitar, drum kit) choir and solo voice.
would have to say that it is a wonderful tribute
"I
am taking a funeral
tomorrow of a Vietnam Vet who died last week of cancer. The
family
would like to use your song... I am asking for permission to use it at
the
funeral."
E-mail from a
Reverend
VIETNAM
VETERANS DAY
- 18TH AUGUST - LEST WE FORGET
Vietnam
Veterans'
Day, celebrated on 18 August each year, is an
opportunity to honour those
Australians who served during the Vietnam
War and remember those who died.
*The photograph above was kindly provided by Tom Smith who served with 1RAR in Vietnam.
Peter
Barnes initiated this song in 2001. He is the author (and copyright owner) of the song
and he
created the concept, title and lyrics. You can contact Peter by email here
Click here if you would like information regarding what influenced Peter in creating the song.
Click here to go to home
page.
'Can you hear Australia's heroes
marching?' ©
Peter
Barnes 2001 - 2008.
All Rights Reserved. All content on this page and on
the video remains the
property of
the respective copyright holders.
The
song may not be used for any commercial purposes
whatsoever. Peter
also holds copyright for 'Can you hear our heroes marching?'. Any
change of the name of a country, for
instance, inserting 'America's',
instead of 'Australia's' in the the song is in violation
of copyright.