"Thank you for your service." For many Vietnam War veterans, this gracious sentiment came a little too late as did "Welcome Home". But eventually, they were seen to be more than drugged-out hippies. Amongst many veterans of other wars the idea that they would never turn their backs on another group of veterans became orthodoxy. And I think it was because of the swell of emotions that came after the 911 attacks that Americans began to take a more serious look at the treatment of veterans of a war that so many thought was an anomaly despite how the Korean War concluded. Thankfully, the incompetence shown in Iraq and Afghanistan made it clear that many died for mismanaged causes just as they did in Vietnam.
Despite how politicized the Vietnam War had become, I didn't have any question as to my duty to serve. So joining the Army during a time of war was hardly questioned. Besides my father, who landed on Omaha Beach at Normandy, there were other relatives and men who were veterans. I was raised in a quiet patriotism. I still didn't think going to Vietnam was a privilege. It was just what you did if you were ordered. Interestingly, the only thing my father ever said to me before going to Vietnam was, "You're not going to like it."
Well, that was about right. The war was enough but there were things going on like the drugs, the fragging, the friendly fire, those who liked to misuse their rank, the racism, the thievery, and even the murder of a Red Cross worker. They were called "Donut Dollies". I was excluded from the investigation due to the color of my hair. Yet still, I could name quite a few good things about Nam and afterward. But in the end, it was obvious that I didn't like the Army life. However, that didn't stop me from caring.
Vietnam Veterans had varied experiences when they came home. Generally they were negative and they were that way for many years. So many family and friends had to bury their Vietnam loved ones in silence due to growing opposition. As a parent, I can not imagine what that experience was like. Some returnees had or eventually experienced PTSD. Even after the VA attempted treatment, it still didn't prevent continued suicides and the inability to engage life.
Iraq and Afghanistan veterans began their service in a flurry of support due to 911 but after multiple tours, it was obvious that they were getting screwed despite their hope of changing a backward country, especially for the women and children living under a maniacal religious patriarchy. The way we left the area was proof that those in charge had no idea of what to do even though the same situation had occurred in the Vietnam withdrawal.
For many veterans, the only real heroes are the ones who died. An indelible image for me is the American flag draped coffin being unloaded at an Air Force or Army base because it always reminded me of the containers that held the casualties at the 12th Evac in Cu Chi. They were picked up as needed by an helicopter and taken to where the bodies could be processed for their return to the states.
Like so many holidays, Veterans's Day at times has often been relegated to little more than time off from work. In more recent years, there have been a sincere efforts to acknowledge and focus on the rightful place of veterans as well as those who are currently serving. But let me say this. For me, there is no such thing as "Happy Veterans' Day!" I can not be that happy about making it back knowing how many didn't or eventually died from their wounds at a stateside military hospital or at the VA. I can not be happy about the patriotic Vietnamese who were left to deal with the communists. I can not be happy about the Paris Peace Accords, the evacuation, nor the boat people.
But most of all, as with many wars, it is the military, political, media and/or religious lies that create the fog of war or as several insightful minds over time have similarly said, "The first casualty of war is truth." But this maybe changing if we can question a war but still have support and be grateful for all who serve and especially those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
