Bruce Springsteen is the artist behind “Born in the USA”, often sharing his patriotism with the music and with his working relationships. Although this artist was drafted for the Vietnam War, he never served in the military. Here’s why.

Bruce Springsteen grew up in New Jersey

Some know him as “the boss”. Others know him as the Grammy Award-winning artist behind “Dancing in the Dark” and “Born to Run.” Springsteen grew up in New Jersey, often sharing her appreciation for towns like Freehold, Asbury Park and Belmar.

With New Jersey-specific lyrics in many of his songs, Springsteen is proudly a Stone Pony alumnus and resident of Colts Neck. The singer mentions his patriotism in several originals – even though he was drafted but never served in the US military.

Bruce Springsteen was drafted in the Vietnam War – but never served

Due to a concussion from a motorcycle accident, Springsteen never served in the military. This artist grew up in the midst of the Vietnam War, even calling himself “draft-averse” at one point.

“Draught in the Vietnam War, he did his best to get out of the service, including pretending he was on LSD,” Time Magazine reported. “But the violence and the losses of war were always a feature of his life: his father served in World War II and came back with bouts of depression and paranoia.”

This artist was deeply marked by the war in more ways than one. Bart Haynes, (the drummer of Springsteen’s first band) and rocker/New Jersey native Walter Cichon, both died in Vietnam.

“So maybe I felt guilty about that later,” Springsteen told Tom Hanks at the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival. I had friends who left and died. Later, I had friends who were seriously injured.

Bruce Springsteen released the songs “Born in the USA” and “Streets of Philadelphia”

Springsteen shares his patriotism in a variety of ways, releasing songs like “Born in the USA,” “My Hometown,” and “Working on the Highway” about his upbringing in New Jersey and life in the United States.

The artist has teamed up with former President Barack Obama for the podcast series, Renegades: Born in the United States. Springsteen sometimes practices activism with his music, notably with his work on the philadelphia cream soundtrack.

“‘Streets of Philadelphia’ and Jonathan Demme made me think again about writing about social issues,” Springsteen wrote. “It was something I had moved away from over the past decade. As my success grew, there was something about that “rich man in a poor man’s shirt” that left a nasty taste in my mouth.

The boss has also created his own non-profit organization, Thrill Hill Foundation. According to Inside Philanthropy, he also created The Foundation, Inc., which “funds home repairs for low-income New Jersey homeowners.” Springsteen’s music is available on most major streaming platforms.

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