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Charlie Daniels Band Releases ‘Still in Saigon’ On This Day in 1982

Charlie Daniels Band released “Still in Saigon” on March 15, 1982, as a testament to the plight of those who served in the Vietnam War.

Penned by Dan Daley, “Still in Saigon” tackled a number of hard-hitting and timely topics of the era. The song referenced being drafted, serving your country, PTSD, and the duality of returning home to be labeled both a “killer” and a “vet.”

On the 39th anniversary of the song’s release, Charlie’s official Instagram account noted: “ON THIS DAY in 1982, ‘Still in Saigon’ was released. The song, written by Dan Daley, was about the plight of a #vietnam veteran & his struggles with PTSD & negative attitudes towards his service upon returning home.”

Charlie Makes a Statement

“Still in Saigon” was the lead single from Charlie’s 1982 album, Windows. The single reached No. 22 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1982.

Charlie, who died in 2020 a the age of 83, will forever be known for his No. 1 single, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” However, the fiddle-playing frontman also released a number of politically inspired singles throughout his career. In addition to “Still in Saigon,” Charlie released 1980’s “In America” and 2001’s “This Ain’t No Rag, It’s a Flag.

The Journey Home

Charlie was well-known for his support of the U.S. military. Daniels made several trips overseas to visit and perform for U.S. troops, including stops in Kuwait, South Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Charlie helped found The Journey Home Project in 2014 with his longtime manager David Corlew.

After Charlie died in 2020, the nonprofit was rebranded as The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project. The nonprofit continues to support veterans in their return, rehabilitation, and reintegration back into civilian life.

Charlie joined the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2016. He was a member of the Grand Ole Opry, as well as the Musicians Hall of Fame.