Meaning: The quote refers to the burial practices of soldiers from Australia and the United States who fought in various conflicts, particularly the Korean and Vietnam Wars. It is attributed to Peter Scott, an artist known for his wildlife paintings and his work as a conservationist and ornithologist. The quote suggests a change in the handling of deceased soldiers between the two wars, with a shift from being buried in the conflict zones to being brought back to their home countries for burial.

During the Korean War (1950-1953), many Australian soldiers who lost their lives were indeed buried in Korea. This was a common practice at the time, as the logistics of repatriating the bodies of fallen soldiers were often challenging, especially in the midst of ongoing hostilities. The practice of burying soldiers in the country where they fell was not unique to Australia; it was a widespread custom among many nations involved in the conflict.

The Vietnam War (1955-1975) marked a significant departure from earlier practices, as the quote suggests. By this time, advancements in transportation and changes in public sentiment had influenced the policies regarding the repatriation of deceased soldiers. The United States, in particular, made a concerted effort to bring back the remains of its fallen soldiers from Vietnam. This shift was driven in part by the desire to provide closure and honor the fallen, as well as the changing dynamics of public opinion and the media's coverage of the war.

In the case of Australia, the repatriation of soldiers' remains from Vietnam also became the standard practice. The Australian government, like its American counterpart, recognized the importance of bringing the fallen home to their families and communities. This change in policy reflected a growing understanding of the psychological and emotional impact on the families of the deceased, as well as a shift in societal attitudes towards the treatment of those who had made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

The quote by Peter Scott captures this historical shift in the treatment of fallen soldiers and the evolving attitudes towards death and remembrance in the context of war. It serves as a reminder of the changing practices and sensitivities surrounding the handling of war casualties, as well as the evolving role of the military in supporting the families of the fallen.

In conclusion, the quote reflects the changing practices of handling deceased soldiers between the Korean and Vietnam Wars, particularly in the context of repatriation. It highlights the shift from burying soldiers in the conflict zones to bringing them back to their home countries for burial, underscoring the evolving attitudes and policies surrounding the treatment of fallen soldiers and the impact on their families and communities. Peter Scott's observation encapsulates this historical transition and serves as a poignant reminder of the evolving practices and sensitivities surrounding the handling of war casualties.