Australian writer and journalist Peter Scott experienced some of the major historical moments of the 20th century. The realities of war casualties and how they are handled by their respective nations are reflected in his statement.

Scott's remark highlights the disparities in how fallen soldiers are handled in various conflicts. In Korea, where many participating nations suffered significant losses, it was customary to bury combat dead close to their place of death. This was brought on by the difficulty of logistics and the ferocity of the fighting at the time.

But there was a change beginning with the Vietnam War. Australia and the United States both worked to return their fallen soldiers to their homelands for burial. This shift was a reflection of changing social norms around respect for the deceased and a sense of duty to the country to those who lost their lives while serving.

Scott's assertion is comparable to a gardener who painstakingly gathers every seed that falls from trees instead of letting them fall to the ground. Every soldier who sacrificed their life for their nation is honored individually by being brought home, just as every seed has worth. In addition to acknowledging sacrifice, this act of retrieval and remembrance helps to preserve the memory of those who served.

Scott's observation demonstrates how cultural attitudes toward death, honor, and national identity are reflected in broader changes in military practice.