- My views regarding Vietnam have changed considerably since I came
home from the war 37 years ago. Before I left for Vietnam I felt the U.S.
was doing the right thing in helping our South Vietnamese allies. Although
I didn't volunteer for Vietnam, I'm proud of the fact that I served there.
It was a difficult and troubling time, but I had the honor of serving with
a great bunch of people.
- When I got home and separated from the Army I quickly became very
discouraged at the termoil and unrest over the war. The tragic shootings at
Kent State
occurred just one month after I returned home. It was a very confusing time
for me. At times, the war protests seemed to be directed not only at our
country's leaders, but also at our soldiers. It seemed that many of the
war protestors could not distinguish the difference between our leaders in
Washington and our soldiers. I did not understand this attitude. Why
couldn't they understand that soldiers don't make policy and soldiers don't
start wars? I felt betrayed.
- As I slowly adjusted back to civilian life I learned to limit my
comments about the war to only those I trusted. And even then I didn't
elaborate much. Outside that realm I said very, very little. Vietnam was
a sore subject. I believe that fact lengthened the years it took for our
country to recognize the sacrifices made by our soldiers in Vietnam and
treat them with honor. But at last, it is happening. There are still a
few in our generation who look upon Vietnam veterans as dupes, but they
seem to be a dwindling minority.
- Historians and analysts will debate for decades on whether U.S. leaders
miscalculated getting us into the war or mismanaged it once we were there.
In my opinion, I don't believe President Johnson had a rock-solid
reason for committing our troops to war. Once there however, the White
House administration commited a huge mistake when they decided to micro-manage
the war effort from Washington DC. The restrictions they placed on our
fighting forces was beyond ridiculous . I think the outcome would've
been quite different had this not happened.
- Inspite of the blunders made by our nations leaders and the
unpopularity of the war it should always be remembered that the vast majority
of the 2.59 million soldiers who served in Vietnam did so with honor. The
war took a heavy toll on our country in general and our generation in particular.
Never forget the 58,169 soldiers who lost their lives in service to our country
nor the 304,000 who were injured, some permanently. I dedicate these pages to
four high school classmates who died in Vietnam:
|
