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I was a small child at the time, but I believe that the treatment Vietnam troops received was a direct result of the media, hollywood, and the anti-war protestors. As I said, I was a small child, but if today's America didn't have an alternative media, talk radio and free republic, the media might have created a similar response.

I'm very proud of the conservative movement today and the people who vocally support the value of a single armed man willing to defend freedom no matter the cost.

You are correct and unfortunately those in the "conservative" movement back in the late 60's and early 70's didn't step up to the plate as we are today in greater numbers. Sad fact is that most American's sat on the side lines when we came back from RVN and didn't do squat for many years to recognize our honorable service and sacrifices. Worse than that many did nothing or poured fuel on the fire when we were so reviled by the left and the media. I can't tell you how many of my home town friends asked questions like, "did you really kill women and children over there?" or "did you pick up a drug habit?"

For example, it was nearly 25 years after my return before even one person "thanked me for my service", not that I really needed it for I was proud even though most American's really didn't want me to be.

Today every soldier I see I personally walk up and thank him for his/her service. The response is profound gratitude that I would take the time to thank them and I really enjoy doing so.

Both sides of the coin back in those days really wished we would disappear into the wood work, and I sincerely believe deep down in side it was motivated by shame. And to be honest most of us did just that ... "slipped into darkness".

Hopefully, America has grown up a bit and won't let it happen again to this current crop of heroes selflessly serving. But I wonder.

Thanks for your response.