Recognizing a Remarkable War

Vietnam Vet Recognition Day.

Vietnam veterans experienced combat every bit as real, frightful, lethal, and certifiably more chemical than any that preceded it. But that's not all that should be recognized.

Five or 6 years ago, I subbed in a History class. They were studying Vietnam and reading The Things They Carried, by Tim O'Brien. The teacher had asked me to say a few words about the Peace Movement. Having lived through that remarkable war—the only one in the history of mankind stopped by the citizens—I was pleased to.

Picked up the text that a.m. to review the dates and got the shock of my life! The illustration on intro to chapter featured a soldier wearing both a peace sign and dog tags! The text explained that the U.S. military was poised to win the war when the anti-war movement intervened and the politicians were forced to half it. Massive protests in the streets of major cities, Kent State, etc.

The military learned a valuable lesson: it should not undertake any conflict without having the people on board first. Thus, massive PR campaigns have preceded both Gulf Wars. The people can stop a bogus war, but seem to have forgotten their own power.

The most remarkable aspect of the most remarkable war in the history of mankind should be front and center in every Critical political, military, and personal Eye, a pattern for every war.