"We will remember them." Every Anzac Day, these words ring out in honour of those who fought and died in World War I and World War II. Tragically however, the world's conflicts didn't end there, and there are generations of soldiers who aren't mentioned in the yearly remembrance.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
John Goslett is one of them. He fought in Vietnam and every year, he gathers to remember his own service and the service of his brothers-in-arms.
For John, war ran in his family. His father served as one of the Rats of Tobruk in World War II, before dying last year at the age of 93.
While his service and sacrifice may be neglected in traditional Anzac ceremonies, John continues to carry the torch in honour of those he fought alongside.
"I lost a fair few mates... though in the army, you're all mates. You're all brothers, you look after them and they look after you... we couldn't have the reunion this year but you never forget them."
He continued talking about his experience in Vietnam.
"We had some good times, we had some bad times. You just try your best to forget the bad. That's not always easy."
Frankie kicked a mine the day that mankind kicked the moon.
- Redgum, "I was only 19"
One of those mates he fought alongside is Francis "Frankie" John Hunt, a name many would recognise from the Redgum anti-war song "I was only 19." John and Frankie remain in touch, and Frankie has visited Griffith on several occasions.
READ MORE
"I've had Frankie here a couple times... A couple years back we went around to the schools and spoke."
In addition to the memories he carries, he has a far more tangible reminder of the conflict with him.
"I've got a six-inch scar on my leg, waited but the metal never came out and six days later I was back in the scrub. I've got a bit of metal in my leg, I'll carry it for the rest of my life."
"I could write a book about it... just need to string the words together."
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.areanews.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News