Reflections on the Vietnam War Protests and Military Service
As a child born in 1961, I was too young to worry about the military draft during the tumultuous late 1960s and early 1970s. However, the news and newspaper articles about the Vietnam War greatly impacted me, especially as a keen reader since a young age. My father, who had volunteered for WWII but never left the country, offers a different perspective, one seldom shared by those of his generation. I explore the complex interplay between personal memories and broader historical context.
The Personal and National Perspective
My parents came from very different backgrounds. My father, having experienced the Great Depression, saw the war as an opportunity to serve. In contrast, my mother, a German immigrant who had come to the United States to visit her aunt in the late 1950s, brought an international viewpoint. Despite their differences, they were both conservative and critical of protests, a viewpoint I was raised with. This ambivalent stance shaped my early views on the Vietnam War.
The Complexities of Military Service
I myself earned an Army ROTC scholarship in 1979, a time marked by lingering anti-military sentiment. Despite these sentiments, the military itself was not to blame for the war. Politicians and those unwilling to serve were the true architects of the conflict. When I was on active duty, I experienced firsthand the intolerance of serving in the military. The situation only improved post-9/11, when I began to receive recognition and discounts. However, this belated gratitude pales in comparison to the thanks I wish I had received while serving.
The Complexity of Anti-War Protests
The anti-war protests of the late 1960s and early 1970s were passionate and mobilized a significant contingent of veterans. However, the organizers often prioritized spectacle and media attention over genuine substance. They would lure protesters with promises of free drugs and busses, creating large events that lacked genuine impact. While the protestors had a valid point, the harsh judgment of soldiers and their families was unjust. Many of these soldiers were simply fulfilling their patriotic duties assigned by politicians, not the military itself.
Conclusion
The Vietnam War and its aftermath continue to present a complex historical narrative. My journey from a child who viewed the war as a distant threat to a veteran who understands its complexities offers a unique perspective. It is important to remember the genuine concerns of those who protested, while also acknowledging the injustice of blaming those who served. My reflections on these events offer insights into the intersection of personal experience and broader historical trends.