Adrian Cronauer Quotes, born September 8, 1938, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was a United States Air Force Airman 1st Class and radio personality whose innovative disc jockey work on the American Forces Network during the Vietnam War inspired the 1987 film Good Morning, Vietnam, starring Robin Williams. A law school graduate and lifelong radio enthusiast, Cronauer brought humor and rock ‘n’ roll to military broadcasts in Saigon, challenging rigid military formats. Later a lawyer and veterans’ advocate, he died on July 18, 2018. These 15 quotes—sourced from interviews, speeches, and his radio persona—reflect his views on broadcasting, democracy, and the American flag, capturing his irreverent yet principled spirit.
15 Adrian Cronauer Quotes
- “Good morning, Vietnam! Hey, this is not a test. This is rock and roll. Time to rock it from the delta to the DMZ!” (Good Morning, Vietnam, 1987)
- “The American flag represents all of us and all the values we hold sacred.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Our flag is not just one of many political points of view. Rather, the flag is a symbol of our national unity.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Martin Luther King, Jr. didn’t carry just a piece of cloth to symbolize his belief in racial equality; he carried the American flag.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Giving people what they want isn’t just good radio; it’s also the right way to run a country.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “The electronic spectrum is the only natural resource in which there’s no such thing as private property rights. You can’t own a piece of the spectrum.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Our nation is built on the bedrock principle that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “A corollary is that, when laws are out of touch with the people, those laws can and should be changed—from the most simple local regulations to the highest law of the land, our federal Constitution.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Worrying that banning flag desecration would inhibit free speech reveals a misunderstanding of the flag’s fundamental nature.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “The concept that you cannot own the airwaves has caused far more harm than good.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “I was faced more with apathy than opposition.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “You’re live on the Armed Forces Radio. Now here’s the news.” (Interview, Bookey, September 15, 2023)
- “Sometimes you got to specifically go out of your way to get into trouble. It’s called fun.” (Good Morning, Vietnam, 1987)
- “Here’s a little ditty they ain’t played in a long time.” (Interview, Bookey, September 15, 2023)
- “If you are going to fight, clash!” (Quoted on X, @metabebop, June 2, 2025)
Adrian Cronauer’s quotes are a lively mix of humor, patriotism, and a call for responsive governance, inspiring you to challenge norms and connect with your audience authentically. Which quote resonates with your spirit? Share it below and keep Adrian’s bold legacy alive!
Emma Thompson
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