A Debt Unpaid

American Thinker ^ | Nov. 11, 2013 | Elise Cooper

[EXCH54FE]

November 11th is designated as Veterans Day, when Americans say thank you to those who served and fulfilled their patriotic duty, preserving their fellow citizen's freedoms. It is a holiday that celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans; yet, those that fought in Vietnam have never received enough appreciation or recognition. American Thinker wants to dedicate this Veterans Day to all those who served during the Vietnam War. Those interviewed include veterans as well as authors whose recent books have included a shout-out to the Vietnam veterans.

Those who fought in Vietnam dutifully served under horrendous conditions, many times watching as their buddies were blown to pieces with little identifiable remaining. Unfortunately, after having experienced the war zone, they were unable to come home to the safety net of America. Bestselling author and Vietnam veteran Nelson DeMille's current book, The Quest, is a reflection on the 1970s including the experience of someone serving in Vietnam. He told American Thinker, "The troops today have become icons as should be the case, while we, the Vietnam Vets, were considered pariahs. It was not a pleasant experience. The soldier fighting the war is not the cause of the war. As vets we did what we had to do. It never made any sense to me why we were blamed."

[EXCH54FE]

All the veterans interviewed describe their feelings, even today, as bitter, that Vietnam is still alive for them. They wonder if all the apologies are sincere and hope that Americans still feel embarrassed, especially since many have not uttered the words "thank you and welcome home."

[11th Commandment]

Celebrated in Europe as Armistice Day- end of WWI. Celebrated in the US as Armistice Day until WWII broke out in Europe ending the idea that WWI was the war to end all wars. Thank God for our Veterans, past and present, who give us freedom and the real promise of peace.

[stanne]

They were blamed because those that blame them are immature, spoiled idealists living under the comfort of their parents’ financial safety net.

I was a kid, my best friend’s brother went over as a Marine ant age 17, and my cousin was drafted. I’ve spoken with the latter. I had so much respect for both; what they went through.

They, and all of them, inspired me during my time in.

We attend the POW symposium here every year. The Hanoi Hilton survivors get a miniscule fraction of the attention that they should get. Each one, along with their families, is a story of heroism, to put it mildly.

I join American Thinker in saluting these good men.

[Youngman542012]

Hear hear...I too salute these good men and women..

[stanne]

...and women. The nurses were my most important role models.

[Mark17]

All the veterans interviewed describe their feelings, even today, as bitter, that Vietnam is still alive for them. They wonder if all the apologies are sincere and hope that Americans still feel embarrassed, especially since many have not uttered the words "thank you and welcome home."

I am not as bitter as I used to be, but Vietnam is still alive for me. It still leaves a bad taste in my mouth, but many people have thanked me for my service, and welcomed me home. 1877th Communications Squadron, Bien Hoa Air Base, Republic of Vietnam.

[EXCH54FE]

Welcome Home Sir, Job well done!!

Regards,

EXCH54FE
Red Beach Danang
Vietnam
1967-1968

[Mark17]

Welcome home to you too, sir.

Regards.

[HippyLoggerBiker]

Thanks for remembering.

My brother KIA 1968, USMC, LCpl

I thought about him and my other brothers when trying to get home via Travis AFB and SFO in uniform.

SGT, USMC, 1970-1974

[Shery]

Thanks to our Vets and our active-duty service members! You are still at the forefront of our country’s safety and security. We pray for your safety and that you will continue to serve honorably.