September 2006
PATRIOTS OF THE VIETNAM WAR
Warriors of Company E, 75th Ranger/LRRP were drafted into or volunteered for a war that divided and ultimately inflamed our nation. Many came home to scorn, taunts, and protests. Some came home with their wounds. Some struggled with post trauma syndrome disorder. Lifestyles were dramatically changed. Sociologists declared that we left our imprint across America in our own ways. There were enormous sacrifices made, yet our contributions have been scarcely recorded by historians. The civilian and military decision makers developed flawed strategies based on unsubstantial intelligence. The gallant LRPs became part of the victims of the war.
The Vietnam War unfolded during the era of flag burning, race riots, and assassinations. Draft cards were burned. Some draft dodgers cowered to Canada. Some who resisted fighting in Vietnam demonstrated the courage of their convictions (Judging someone’s intrinsic motivation is fruitless). Soldiers returning from Vietnam were spit on, especially on college campuses. Even the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign War initially shunned the Vietnam veterans. There was no ultimate victory in the Vietnam War. Politicians after the Vietnam War often ran on a platform of being against the war.
There were veterans who came home stronger and more motivated. Their transformation produced positive results in the community in which they lived. There were warriors who worked harder as the result of their war experience; they realized that they were survivors and could do more than they did before Vietnam. The lessons learned in Vietnam were valuable. The camaraderie and bond with our buddies in combat will be embraced and nurtured for the rest of our lives. We served with the best and noblest of soldiers.
9/11 has been designated Patriot Day. We, the patriots of the Vietnam War, can march proudly with the veterans of other wars for demonstrating our collective responsibility in defending our freedom and doing our part in making America the greatest nation in the world. We were motivated by patriotism and the inspiration of duty. Thomas Campbell, a Scottish historian wrote: “The patriot’s blood is the seed of freedom’s tree.”