Billy Joel is joined on stage by Vietnam veterans and active-duty service members for a performance of "Goodnight Saigon" at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on July 26, 2014. www.vvmf.org
My cousin Ricardo from NYC went to Vietnam, he never came back. He was 22 y.o. He has became our hero without a tomb. Rest in Peace Richie. We keep your spirit alive.
I Served. I spent 24 years in the British Army. This song means a lot to me. I survived all the crap that idiots sent us to. This song is not just for us Vets. But those who did not come back. I miss my brothers. Those who never made it back. It really hurts on Remembrance Day, the lead up to it and after. Or even at anytime. Those are haunting memories. But there were the good times too. Though they were not the same when a buddy isn't there.
My father was a USMC Vietnam Vet. He went in as a kid and it affected him until he died at age 65 in 2016. That war ruined so many young men. Nevertheless, today I was with my son at the zoo and this song came on the loudspeaker. It was my first time hearing it and I felt instantly connected to him. RIP Dad. You were an asshole but you were still my dad.
My brother, James A.Cole, spent too much time in Vietnam during the was, in the 1960s. When he came home, I believe he suffered the effects of the war throughout the rest of his life (50+ years more). He was buried February 2023. He was always my big brother and my hero.
one of my favorite songs - I am 70 years old and many of my friends went to vietnam and not all came back. There was so much division over the war at that time. But I believe that my friends who died were just as the brave as any of our military from the revolutionary war and since! There country called and they answered! Thank you Billy Joel for recognizing these young men and women for their commitments
You should read the comment by ladylestat01. She captures the heart and soul of this song by Billy Joel. It's not about whether our country should be making war, it is about the soldier who finds himself in the middle of it.
This song always breaks my heart to think of the sacrifice of these brave men and women. And the fact that Billy Joel always seems to highlight their service to their country is an amazing tribute and way to recognize this sacrifice. Such a decent way to help us remember, lest we forget.
My friend and fellow interpreter lost his wife, Nova, his wife and their son in the fall of Saigon back in 1975. Their daughter was severely injured during the evacuation of orphans. He was one of the last ones off the roof. I don't think many people know what really happened back in the day. Bill Bell and I are still friends after all these years. He co-wrote a book about his experience. He spent 20 more years after we retired on POW/MIA issues.
I still have the POW/MIA bracelet that I got when I was 14. I knew about the Vietnam War then, but not nearly enough at that age. Later on in my teens I realized that all I wanted was to bring our soldiers home and to end that awful war. God Bless our Vietnam veterans and all those that didn't make it home to their families. I love this song so much. Thanks, Billy Joel, for your words and music. LOVE YOU, BILLY
