Vietnam — Forgotten Heroes —
They are heroes from an era filled with violence and devastation. They sacrificed their lives for the call of duty. They were in high school or college when their number was drawn out of a barrel. It meant they had been drafted with no recourse except for possibly leaving the country. So why are they so forgotten? Why are they forgotten heroes?
They served our country but came back to hatred and vulgarity. Men and women were both drafted and asked to serve their country. They left to fight a war that they did not want to but willingly. They would see destruction, mayhem, and carnage. Some would give all.
Village people, including children, were killed at the enemy’s hands and the weapons from above. Children would be used as targets to destroy the soldiers. Unfortunately, the only way to sometimes stop them was harsh. While the soldiers were fighting against a hidden enemy, there were peace movements and draft dodgers back home.
There were songs written concerning the desire for peace. Concerts by heavy metal bands sang against the war, excuse me, conflict as it was never declared a war. College campuses had sit-ins and riots. They called this a peace movement. Love and not hatred, yet they attacked the very fiber of what the conflict was about — the men and women who were drafted to go to the Southeast.
The draftee would soon be sent to boot camp, knowing that their destination was to the war/conflict upon graduating. Some would go by choice; others would go by force. The draft dodger would head to parts unknown. Maybe Canada or wherever they could find freedom. There would be those arrested and forced to boot camp or stay incarcerated. Whatever their preference, the war in Southeast Asia was a reality.
When they came home from Vietnam, they have not greeted with parades or heroes’ welcomes. They were not honored for their bravery but would become scapegoats. They would be spit upon and called baby killers. They were turned away by the very nature of a country that sent them away. Imagine walking through the airport and being egged.
These men and women still live today with the effects of the conflict. The battle no longer goes on in the Pacific Southeast, but they must live over and over for what they witnessed within their minds. If you were to ask a Vietnam Vet about what they witnessed, you would suddenly be treated like the enemy invading the battlefield of their minds. The territory of their heart that they choose to ignore.
But then why do they have to sleep on park benches or in alleyways under makeshift tents? Why are they treated like animals while the draft dodgers are allowed to return home from Canada? They are heroes of a lost battle, a conflict created to stop the spread of Communism.
Yes, the treatment is getting changed, but why did it have to take 50 years to correct our men and women’s inflicted mistakes in uniform. Let us continue the fight to make them feel wanted and thank them for their service.
Remember, some gave all just like 9/11. They swore to uphold the way of democracy, but they would see friends and fellow soldiers blown up in the end. They saw some give all for freedom. They still live today with nightmares. They live a life that is surrounded by thoughts of death. So the next time you a Vietnam vet — thank him or her for the service they did for your freedom.
Just like 9/11, some gave all. Firefighters, medical people, and others saw the wreckage of what man can do. Imagine what it was like to be sitting in a fox hole and seeing your buddy killed.
Thank them all. Please don’t ignore what they went through. Make them feel wanted and cared for about their sacrifice.
Remember — Some gave all.
