The Shadow
This is the day Americans unite to thank and honor veterans and their families and loved ones for their service and sacrifice made. March 29th is fitting for Vietnam Veterans Day. It was on that day, March 29, 1973, that the United States Military Assistance Command and Vietnam signed agreement ending the war and the last day United States Combat troops left Vietnam.
We want to remember on this Vietnam Veterans Day the 58,200 men and women who were killed during the Vietnam war and the other 300,000 plus who later died as a result of Agent Orange, the chemical used by the military during the war to clear the foliage. During the nearly 20 years that the war lasted the number of conflicts were not able to be counted. Two important conflicts were The Battle of Hue in the Tet Offensive and the Battle of la Drang. The Battle of Hue lasted from January 31, 1968, to March 2, 1968, and was one of the bloodiest and longest battles fought. The Battle of la Drang was fought between November 14 and November 18, 1965. Both sides suffered major casualties during la Drang and both the United States and Vietnam claimed victory.
Today it is possible to the visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The Wall a black granite tribute to the 58,000 plus men and women who lost their lives during the conflict, displays each of those names. Millions of people go there annually to find the names of their comrades and loved ones an d to leave something in tribute…. a flower, a bott, a photograph or perhaps a letter. Each name on The Wall represents a member of the military who came from all walks of life ad from all parts of the nation when the call came to serve their country.
Many soldiers, upon returning home, carried the guilt of surviving when their friends did not make it back. Stories can be found in James Patterson’s book, “Walk in My Combat Boots” which was written with Matt Eversmann, First Sergeant, US Army (Ret). Many returning veterans still suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
In addition, the Vietnam veterans were subjected to ridicule and rejected by the American people. The people thought the war had actually been lost and that it lasted too long (1954-1973). Vietnam was the longest war in American history until the Afghanistan war (2001-2021).
The following is a poem which addresses the emotions of the returning Vietnam soldiers.
THE VIETNAM VETERAN
As our men go off to war, to a land they’ve never seen,
Bravery is suddenly learned and shown, where before was seldom seen.
Basic training was their only teacher for the job, and the determination was high;
Quietly boarding the miliary plane, regretting their loved ones’ goodbye.
The flight was long and weary, and the men showed no fears.
Little did they know that in the future were many tears.
Patriotism was their guide and strength, helping them through the night.
As they waited quietly in the foxhole, their minds filled with fright.
Drugs were used to dull the pain of the awful sights of war;
Dreams were dreamt and wishes made to go back home to the land afar.
Many didn’t survive the war, their peers and buddies gone;
Surviving soldiers don’t understand why they lived, after
All is said and done.
Many thoughts fleet through their minds during the long trip home;
As they land, expecting cheers, they notice no-one’s come.
Tears well up in their eyes and sadness steals the pride;
Society has shunned them, with no remorse and nobody is on their side.
From one who has lived with a Vietnam Vet, I want you all to know;
You did your best and went through hell, and it’s great to have you home.
So hold your head high and walk proud young man;
Don’t slouch on bended knees.
To all who know what you gave to the war;
A hero you’ll always be.
Copyright 1987 by Vicki Wilson
Yes, “a hero you will always be”. Let us as Americans today take the time to honor and thank all the Vietnam veterans and their families for service to our country.
God bless America and God bless each of these military men and women on National Vietnam War Veterans Day for their dedication to the United States of America and the part each one played in helping to keep America free.
They came from all walks of life and all parts of the nation when the call came to serve their country in the Vietnam war.
Let us as Americans today take the time to honor and thank of these veterans and their families for their service to our country.
God bless America and God bless each of these soldiers for their dedication to the United States of America.
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| TSGT James B. Paxton |
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| CPL James C. Tucker |
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| SP4 Gary Brackenridge |
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| James Worley |
