[Vietnam Vet From New Mexico]

I’ve read references to the godawful amount of young lives Australia poured out in The Wars. That (in addition to years of semi-socialism) must be a major reason Australia isn’t a superpower today.

Maybe, but they didn't have a shortage of brave young men in the 60's when they shed their blood along side us in Nam, and they don't seem to have a shortage now.

[naturalman1975]

For casualty comparisons.

First World War.

Australia. Population: 4.5 million. Military Killed: 61,928 (1 in 72 Australians).
United States. Population: 92 million. Military Killed: 116,708 (1 in 788 Americans).

Second World War.

Australia. Population: 7 million. Military Killed: 39,400 (1 in 177 Australians).
United States. Population: 131 million. Military Killed: 416,800 (1 in 314 Americans).

I don’t believe Australia would have become a superpower if not for World War I - our population was so small, and we remain a fairly small country (22 million). But certainly, Australia paid a high butchers bill in both World Wars. Not as high as some others - including the United Kingdom - but a high price nonetheless.

We’ve done our duty when called on to do so. I hope we always will.