Vietnam Vets mic up for homelessness

When it comes to music associated with the Vietnam War, most people don’t go beyond Redgum’s 1983 classic, ‘I Was Only 19’. But a group of Vietnam Veterans, who have released a new recording this week in support of Australia’s homeless, hope to bring attention to the plight of those on the streets by linking the disenfranchisement felt by returned Vets to the ongoing struggles endured by the destitute.

“Australia’s Vietnam War veterans know what it is like to be disenfranchised,” said singer-songwriter Francis Edwards. “We know what it is like to stand at the edge of society, unseen and unheard.

“We have felt pain, fear and isolation, and we are committed to making a difference to our fellow citizens, who find themselves in a similar place today.”

Edwards was one of around 60,000 veterans to be treated as social outcasts upon his return from service in Vietnam. Having signed to Clarion Records in Perth at the age of 17, his conscription and deployment put a halt to a promising potential career as a singer. His previous album, ‘Vietnam Dreamscape’, positioned him as one of Australia’s most visible ‘war theme’ singer-songwriters, with a long history of musical advocacy behind him. Now, he says, “I wanted to do another album specifically focused on the reasons for homelessness.”

Veteran Soul, the Vietnam Veteran Community singers, which has the dual patronage of Lorrae Desmond and Little Pattie, was formed by Edwards in 2008 with the aim of harnessing the spirit and tenacity of veterans as “a force in aid of others in need”.

Edwards, who wrote all the songs on the album, says they speak of a place where life is tough. The record includes a number of special guest singers, including legendary Australian songbird Little Pattie performing a haunting ballad about domestic violence.

Proceeds from the sale of ‘Angels Beyond the Abyss’ will be donated to the St Vincent de Paul Society, Father Chris Riley’s Youth Off The Streets, and Wesley Mission. The album has the full support of the Federal Minister for Housing, Tanya Plibersek, and Federal Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin.