Good morning – I would like to thank the American Legion Post 479 and Alex Castillo for inviting me to speak today. And thank you to everyone here for supporting our Vietnam Veterans. It’s an honor to speak to you on this special day, the National Vietnam War Veterans Day. The National Vietnam War Veterans Day recognizes veterans who served in the United States military during the Vietnam War. The thought of this day brings to memory the night of July 14, 1969. The first platoon was on Fire Support Base Hill-411 and four platoon members decided to call it a night and went into their bunker to get some rest. Not long after they moved inside the bunker the enemy attacked their position. They opened fire on the enemy but sappers got close enough …show more content…
to throw explosives inside the bunker killing two platoon members and wounding one as the platoon members protected their bunker and the south side of the firebase perimeter. One of the soldiers killed was in Vietnam for five months when I arrived at the first platoon. He was quiet, almost shy, but ready to share his experiences on surviving in Vietnam. Over the months he took the time to teach me the skills I needed to survive my year. This soldier’s hometown is Uvalde, Texas and his name is Juan Ramos.
If Juan was here today, I know he would tell you that he is proud of being a Vietnam Veteran and serving his country. Juan’s younger sister, Gloria Alejandro of Uvalde, is an honorary member of the first platoon and she represents Juan at our reunions. And I know she is proud of Juan’s service to country. General William Westmoreland said in part “I do not believe that the men who served in uniform in Vietnam have been given the credit they deserve…” We, the Vietnam Veterans, know how true this statement is! For American soldiers returning home from the Vietnam War, there were no “Welcome Home” signs, no flowers, and no ticker-tape parades. For these soldiers there were protesters. There was name-calling, there was disrespect, and yes, even hatred. The Vietnam War was an unpopular war, but these young men did not ask to go to war. They only did what their government sent them to do. The way the Vietnam Veteran was treated has often been called a national disgrace and rightly so. Establishing this day, National Vietnam War Veterans Day, to honor Vietnam Veterans is a giant step in …show more content…
healing. The Vietnam Veteran has an amazing legacy of extraordinary dedication, courage, and sacrifice that is common among many American veterans of all wars.
It showcases the kind of character that deserves our respect. Not only for their military service, but also for the many contributions to society afterward. Although many of us felt our country deserted us over the years I stand here today to say that will not be the case as we grow older. Many Vietnam Veterans are telling, filming and writing their stories that will be shared with generations to come. The hardships we endured while in Vietnam and especially the hardships we endured after coming home will not be forgotten. Our children, grandchildren, and for some of us, our great-grandchildren can watch and read these stories and witness our bravery and service to country. We will be remembered! Our fathers were of the Greatest Generation but you, the Vietnam Veteran, are the Greatest of Our Generation. We didn’t burn our draft card, nor did we go to Canada and denounce we were an American and we didn’t aid the enemy in Hanoi. We did what our country asked of us and should always hold our head high, chest out because we are a Vietnam Veteran. We served our
country! On this day I ask that you celebrate the courage, dedication, and perseverance so many Vietnam veterans possess. The Vietnam Veteran has demonstrated just how wrong those protestors were … and just how much our country owes these men and women who served their country with bravery and honor… the country owes their gratitude and respect. You are the bravest of the brave. I thank you for your service to Country and to your service in Vietnam. In closing, I ask any Veteran that did not go to the VA for help or did so years ago and did not receive the treatment they needed, please go back. The VA is different today and the Vietnam Veterans are receiving better care. They will treat you for any physical or emotional injury you suffered on active duty, especially during your time in Vietnam. I encourage you to give the VA another chance. You can contact Alex Castillo at the American Legion Post 479 and he can guide you through the process. I only have two words left to say to my fellow Vietnam Veteran brothers: Welcome Home
The Vietnam War was the most publicized war during its era; moreover this was the most unpopular war to hit the United States. All over the country riots began to raise, anti-war movement spread all over the states begging to stop the war and chaos overseas. This truly was a failure in the political side of things. For the public, all they saw was a failed attempt in a far away country. Events such as the Tet Offensive where the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong established an all out attack on key locations around Vietnam, and although the Viet Cong was virtually wiped out, this still had a large affect psychologically on the troops as well as the populist back in the United States. Another atrocity that occurred during this war was the My Lai Massacre. This was the mass murder on unarmed civilians in South Vietnam during March 16,1968. Around November 1969, the world saw this and was outraged with the killings of innocent civilians prompting and giving the public more reasons to stop the war. Although the war was very unpopular, men and women were still fighting and dying for America. Heroes such as Captain John W, Ripley of Dong Ha, Medal of Honor recipients, and overall troops that gave the ultimate sacrifice were forgotten for a brief period. As unpopular as the war was, the American people should still know the stories and good that some of these troops had done for the United States.
Vietnam was a highly debated war among citizens of the United States. This war was like no other with regards to how it affected people on the home front. In past war’s, the population of the United States mainly supported the war and admired soldiers for their courage. During the Vietnam War, citizens of the U.S. had a contradictory view than in the past. This dilemma of not having the support of the people originates from the culture and the time period.
...ust deal with similar pains. Through the authors of these stories, we gain a better sense of what soldiers go through and the connection war has on the psyche of these men. While it is true, and known, that the Vietnam War was bloody and many soldiers died in vain, it is often forgotten what occurred to those who returned home. We overlook what became of those men and of the pain they, and their families, were left coping with. Some were left with physical scars, a constant reminder of a horrible time in their lives, while some were left with emotional, and mental, scarring. The universal fact found in all soldiers is the dramatic transformation they all undergo. No longer do any of these men have a chance to create their own identity, or continue with the aspirations they once held as young men. They become, and will forever be, soldiers of the Vietnam War.
When the Vietnam War was heating up, he tried his very best to keep his words very straightforward and honest. He used pathos in his speech through the usage of the phrases, “a celebration of freedom,” and, “forge against these enemies.” By using these phrases, instead of making the war a task for the people, he made it out as saving the country for the people and for their kids. It wasn’t just a "go and fight," but more of a "go, win, and when you come back enjoy what you have accomplished. " Ask not what your country can do for you but ask what you can do for your country.”
America’s veterans should be honored because they have suffered through so many hardships that others could not and have not survived, and they did it for their country that they loved and still love today.
As men and women serve this country we often forget the importance of what they did and how we give back to them for what they have experienced. Through student surveys that have been gathered, it has been proven in the course of knowledge that 80% of all thirty students surveyed that say they know of someone who is or was a veteran and only 57% of those Veterans receive help. Richelle E. Goodrich stated, “Have you ever stopped to ponder the amount of blood spilt, the volume of tears shed, the degree of pain and anguish endured, the number of noble men a...
The Vietnam War Memorial has reduced some of the toughest, proudest, and most disciplined in the world to tears. For when a veteran returns to the wall, he may recognize a few members of a platoon that he spent a few of his best years with, and what is left of that man? The other effect of the wall is that if a veteran recognizes a single name, that one name will carry a story, a legacy, and a history with him.
Veteran’s day is a reflection of the peace and the warrior culture in the United States. While peace cultures strive for tolerance and positive peace, warrior cultures focus on aggression and domination and this Day demonstrates how both cultures are engrained in the American society.
...and their families, not all of the wounds are physical and they are not left behind in the cells upon return stateside. The Men who returned home from WWII were welcomed and more importantly celebrated by the entire nation as a whole, yet the efforts of those who returned home from Vietnam War did not reverberate as strongly within the country. The Vietnam POW was lightheartedly honored by our government, but the greater American populist struggled to separate their own personnel beliefs on their discontent with the war and unfairly placed the blame on those who had returned home after doing only what had been asked of them. The then President Nixon briefly spoke during his State of the Union speech saying along the lines that, they returned with honor and we can be proud of our courageous POWs for that they came home with their heads high, and not on their knees.
Senator Pat Toomey recently sponsored the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act, this act states that the flag of the United States should be displayed, especially on Vietnam War Veterans Day. The Vietnam War was fought between the United States and North and South Vietnam. During the Vietnam War, more than fifty thousand people were killed. When the soldiers returned home there was a negative and hostile attitude towards the war and a misperception that the soldiers did not measure up to the soldiers who fought in previous wars. This unwelcoming and disdainful homecoming was very hard on most of the soldiers who had just experienced a very difficult time coming from fighting in the war. This act designates March 29 as Vietnam War Veterans Day and is the “first federal statute that specifically provides for the honoring of Vietnam War Veterans.” Due to the unpopularity of the war, the Vietnam war veterans did not receive the recognition and welcome
I recently had the opportunity to attended a veterans day open house. Which was held in the “Dr. Juan R. Oliarez Student Plaza ,in the main building at Grand Rapids community”(Grand Rapids Community College.edu). There were a ceremony and reception at the end of the ceremony, we all took a moment of silence to recognize the fallen soldiers that were unable To be with their families, and loved ones. Not to mention I had placed my flag in the dirt it was one of many flags that were scattered around. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to thank some of our brave soldiers, for instance my professor, notably it was an honor to shake his hands. Then later on that day I still needed to spend 3 or more hours at a political or governmental functioning.
I am a daughter of a Veteran. My dad served as a Marine in the United States Marine Corp from 1962- 1966. During that time, he served in combat during the Vietnam War. My dad was proud to have served for the country he loved so much. This would cost thousands of Americans their life. For those fortunate enough to return home after the war, the war was far from over. Many of these service men and women dealt with several health-related problems due to the chemicals that the government sprayed in Vietnam. In most cases these problem did not surface until many years later. It would take serval years for Veteran to receive any benefits from the Government.
Serving your country is one of the best things an individual can achieve. It gives a sense of security to know that you are able to fight for the rights of others and maintain this great level of freedom that our fathers, uncles and brothers fought for in the war. Since 2001, thousands of military soldiers have been shipped to Iraq and Afghanistan, where they have been killed in combat operations, where families of those individuals won’t see them again. Families who lose individuals during war face the similar grievances to that of other families. There are certain unique aspects of military family lost that people should be aware of.
Tonight I want to talk to you on a subject of deep concerns to all Americans and to many people in all parts of the world… the war in Vietnam.