As visitors entered the Vietnam War exhibit, they were invited to respond to this question: “What does the Vietnam War mean to you”? At the end of the exhibit, they were invited to respond to five additional questions. These probed important issues raised by the war about duty, dissent, patriotism, citizenship, morality, public trust, and the use of military might.
A selection of responses is shared below, with visitor names removed. All responses are housed in the institutional archives maintained by the New-York Historical Society Manuscript Department and available for reading. Please contact the department for more information on access.
Our sincere thanks to all who participated for contributing such thoughtful and heartfelt comments.
What does Vietnam mean to you?
What have we gained or lost by removing military service from the responsibilities of citizenship?
What are our responsibilities to veterans and all others who suffer from U.S. wars?
What should we go to war for?
What role does dissent play in a democracy?
Should journalists have the same freedom in war reporting that they had in Vietnam? Why or why not?
Personal comments from veterans:
Other personal comments from veterans’ family/friends:
What does Vietnam mean to you?
“A giant gaping hole in our heart.”
“To me, the Vietnam war was my father. It was in his stories, his demeanor. He passed away 3 years ago from cancer attributed to agent orange.”
“The most sobering 10 months of my life 3/1/70 – 12/31/70”
“No winner emerged. I will always be the stranger in the family portrait.” –Survivor Vietnam 1968–1969
“2/7/18 The Vietnam war means family. We came together to fight for our rights & our country.”
“For the soldiers it was loyalty, heroism & looking out for one another. They had an extraordinary sense of duty that was not well earned by their leaders.”
“The VietNam War is the reason my Vietnamese boat refugee mother and Laotian father came to the US. I often think of how this proxy war led to generations of historical trauma and how Southeast Asia is the most bombed region on this planet.”
“It saved the life of my wife and her family. Hunted for years by the Communists, they were only able to leave in 1972 with the help of the Americans. For our family, it simply couldn’t have been a complete mistake—we owe everything to these fighters willing to give everything—all so that others may live.”
“My opposition to our involvement in the Vietnam War, which caused millions of deaths, caused me the loss of my job on a Republican Congressional staff, the loss of my belief in the Republican party, and the loss of my religion. The war changed my life.” –Salt Lake City, Utah
“12/31 To me it meant hours & days going door to door facing hostile owners who did not want to hear that the war might be morally or strategically wrong; it meant a 36 hr picket line to protect defecting soldiers; it meant being arrested & tried for trespass for taking over the Harvard administrative building; it meant learning about gender (I wanted to be drafted so I could put my body on the line for what I believed – that is, to be jailed for refusing to fight); it meant forging friendships (& activism) bonds that have lasted into this, my 69th yr.”
“I was active in the anti-war movement and I am married to a Vietnam Veteran. I believe the war was tragic and the treatment of returning veterans was also tragic. I hope our country has learned a lesson from this. My husband and I have since visited Vietnam many times. We love Vietnam and the Vietnamese people.”
“A low point in our history—unfortunately, we seem to repeat our mistakes, but I honor those who fought and sacrificed their lives for us.”
“The Vietnam Era has left such a lasting legacy. It has influenced me (a millennial) as much as my baby boomer parents. It reminds us to not only support our troops, but to pray for peace. God bless vets.”
“It showed that even through the worst moments, warriors like the United State Marines are able to continue with the harsh living conditions and can take on anything that is thrown to them. Like Hue City, the jungles and the swamps, from being hated at when they come home. It inspires the modern day marines to be like there past brothers and to be willing to fight anywhere in any condition.”
“The Vietnam War is above all a lesson that we as a people do not simply believe that our national leaders always have it right, and it is a lesson that we only go to war when there is no alternative. The names of my friends and classmates on that wall in Washington prove that point. But apparently our national leaders have failed to grasp that lesson.” –Captain, USAF 1970–1972
“For me, at 17, it was a political awakening. Sad and wrong how Vietnam Vets were treated on their return. But the current attitude of supporting our military while not questioning the wars is not good, either. Our young people still fighting and dying—for what? Where is the transparency we marched for back then? The government is still stonewalling we the people!” –d.o.b. 2/9/1951
“Vietnam taught me that the government has to be controlled by the PEOPLE who have the responsibility to protest and vote when the government is wrong. I hope young people today will pick up where we left off in the 60s & 70s when we marched to stop a war; integrate America and fight for women’s rights. That’s the American Way!”
“The war ended my generation’s innocence and belief that we were the soldiers of democracy & truth.”
“The seed of destructive & ongoing national disunity.”
“Vietnam was proof that America has forgotten, or ignored, its own founding narrative. People resist foreign occupation. The Vietnamese people’s nationalist and democratic aspirations were ignored.”
“My family were refugees from the war so the Vietnam War means everything to me.”
“una perdida de sangre y tiempo”
“My father was a videojournalist during that era and went to Vietnam seven times, making some 70 programs for a national network. He tried to make sense of the conflict but felt deeply that the US did not understand the country or the geopolitics. He sponsored refugees after the fall. For a WWII veteran it was difficult for him to openly oppose his government.”
“4/9/2018 As an Afghanistan War veteran the Vietnam War reminds me how politicians would send citizens to war but not ready to win it, but careless about the lives given for these wars. They repeat same all over again!!! Time for politicians to put their kids & family or both first so they know & be ready when they have to send other’s kids to fight.”
“The source I look at to understand my family both in the US and Vietnam.”
“14th Air Commando 66-67 Secretary Treasurer of the Methodist Men of Vietnam worked with Missionary – Distributed care packages from home, built playgrounds, sent children to school – this is a side of the war you never learn about. Yes war is brutal but maybe—just maybe—there is a humanitary side of all involved.”
“I was proud to serve my country not so proud of what took place during the war.” –66-69 USMC 67 – UN
“Lessons not learned! Served in the Peace Corps Thailand 1968–70. Tried to counter-balance US War mongering”
“U.S. Navy. Kitty Hawk CVA 63 VF 213 1966-1967 Combat operations 24-7 – lost 24 pilots I would do it again. God bless my shipmates” –A proud Navy Vet
“My father from Brooklyn, NY was killed in action in 1967. The year of my birth.”
“A year of my life – exposure to and beginnings of understanding of myself, my country, politics vs. principle – an extraordinary time, the lessons of which have served me well these past 50 years. Mekong Delta 1969”
“1967-68 (DD727) U.S.S. De Hauen. So glad I was spared so I could experience the joy and sorrow of life. R.I.P. 43,000 Please – no more wars!”
“I was watching an episode of Star Trek and was doing a geography project as an 11 year old boy in Brooklyn. The door bell rang & I ran into the hallway of our 3 story walkup. I saw three soldiers walking up the stairs. I said ‘Mommy, its soldiers’ that’s the last thing I remember except for screaming & yelling & crying. They took me & my twin brother to a neighbor’s apartment. My 19 year old brother was killed on February 18, 1968.”
“The words ‘Vietnam War’ fill me with sadness. My brother died a hero near Tay Ninh 49 years ago on Jan 7 Lt. Leo Cobert Mullen 6-9-47 1-7-69 Charlie Co 322 US Army Never Forgotten <3”
“In memory of my beloved eternal husband who died while saving two of his men on November 6, 1968, Russell J Powell.”
“In memory of – My deceased husband, who served with naval intelligence for 2 tours in Vietnam. He returned & suffered for the rest of his life with PTSD, which was undiagnosed at that time. He died in 2012.”
“My husband was in Vietnam 40+ days when wounded. It was enough time to be exposed to Agent Orange to the degree that he has had 3 separate cancers. What about the Vietnamese we left this poison behind for them!”
“My cousin Ted, like a brother to me, served 1968 US Army. Came home in one piece but no one could see inside his head. Took his life March 29, 2011…could no longer live with memories. Paid ultimate sacrifice for a stupid war.”
“The PTSD my grandfather got ruined his life & that of my entire family—he ended up homeless & OD’d, after being drafted.”
“I think about my dad and how sad he can be”
“Having a father who was a Marine Corps pilot during the war and never once has he talked about it.”
“Memories of watching the nightly news and praying my Dad had not been one of the pilots shot down.”
“The Vietnam War means my uncle is sensitive to loud sounds and unexpected noises. It means I’ll respect his sacrifice.”
“Carved in my soul, I was 19 yo college girl who got an internship in the Boston V.A. clinic. 19 and assigned to be the ‘therapist’ to guys my age with horror stories & trauma not yet identified, PTSD. Totally inadequate V.A. services for these vets of a non-traditional war. I did my thesis on the VNW. These VN vets are in my heart always, decades later!”
“I am proud of my mother, Sophie, who as a New York City school teacher inspired a student of hers to become a conscientious objector by a saying she had posted above the blackboard. She probably saved his life and he went on to do good things and help others. I met him by accident—happily. And to those who served—my heart is with you.”
“Many of my high school friends were killed in Vietnam. They did not know why they were there & what they were fighting for. They did not speak English or were familiar with the mainstream American culture. They were born and raised in Puerto Rico. Que Puerto Rico libre!”
What have we gained or lost by removing military service from the responsibilities of citizenship?
“As a Vietnam War Vet (USA ’65-’67) I wish there were other options than the draft, i.e. some type of alternative service for ALL Americans, regardless of race, religion, creed or gender. I believe that this would greatly reduce the divisiveness that our great country is currently experiencing.”
“By removing military service from the responsibilities of citizenship we have gained freedom of choice. How can Americans live in the land of the free if one is forced to kill? By removing the obligation of a citizen to destroy their own lives and the lives of others, there are no longer unwilling Americans entering the frontlines. War is a choice and if the U.S. is going to make the choice to enter a fight, they should not drag innocent civilians with them.”
“At a time when partisan strife tears the fabric of our country a commitment to national service—whether in the military or other public service—would serve to reunite us in a common purpose, to build a better United States of America.” –Manhattan Beach, California, Brooklyn born
“The decision to fight must remain a decision.”
“We’ve regained our civil liberties in the right of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We can enlist if we choose or denounce if we don’t.”
“Conscription is slavery to politicians, not a responsibility of citizenship.”
“I think a volunteer army is the way to go. So hard to believe that the men of my day had to figure out how to avoid the war if this was NOT their belief…. And we call this country free… for whom???!!?”
“We must bring back the draft, otherwise only the poor and persons of color risk their lives. Further, we are killing off our educationally ambitious poor people, which is criminal and not to our country’s advantage.”
“If military service is a ‘responsibility of citizenship,’ it takes on a legitimacy that it does not deserve. War is a failure to be our best selves and it should not be glorified.”
“As long as leaders are this stupid and function this carelessly toward human life it’s better to omit this function as a necessity and responsibility of U.S. citizenship.”
“Like it or not, there is a requirement for a STRONG MILITARY in the U.S.A. – and we have enough brave volunteers who sign up for one of the services. (A ‘draft’ is no longer required.)”
“12/27/17 Not enough people know people in the military (or veterans) & thus forget the human costs of war. Also, they may not know or realize where the US actually has troops & what the vast majority of them are doing. However, I think it’s ultimately a good thing that joining the military is optional. I think it’s something the US should be proud of – that as many people voluntarily join to serve. (And if it was mandatory to join the military there are simply too many Americans for that to be feasible nowadays, I think.)”
“I served 25+ years in the US Army infantry (Afghanistan 2008-2009). There are many better ways young people can spend their youth than serving in the military.”
“While we’ve gained an increased sense of security, we’ve lost some respect for the sacrifice and service for those who serve in the military.”
“The risk of a society where military service is no longer a burden to be shared among the vast majority of the adult citizenship is that a small minority of professionals of war will tend to progressively get separated from the body of the nation at large and develop vested interests that are their own and their own only.”
“With a professional army, war becomes an abstraction to the majority of people.”
“This is an awesome exhibit. As a veteran rifleman who served in the 25th Division in and around Cu Chi in 68-69, this exhibit brought back many mixed memories. I was one of the fortunate who returned from Vietnam with no physical or psychological wounds, and for that I am grateful. I really wonder whether our nation has learned from the Vietnam war. We are now involved in another futile attempt to impose our will on other hapless countries, including Afghanistan. The all volunteer military seemed like a good idea at the time, but maybe Americans would be more critical of military adventurism if each family had a ‘skin in the game.’”
“It sounded like a good idea in the beginning but afterwards, not so great, because we have a whole lot of congressmen and House members that never served – even as Boy Scouts, but they still have the power to send you to war. They have little consideration for veterans – because they don’t know any better. So, the way I see it today everybody should serve, in some capacity and for legislators military service should be a must. In memory of: Angel Alan Santiago (Sandy) from the Bronx, Curtis Thermaine and all the ones killed in the Water Run ambush of May 13, 1967, Quang Tin Province, S. Vietnam. Visited with fellow Viet Vet.” –U.S.M.C +Ret BLT – 1/3 A. Co, Vietnam 1966-67 aboard the U.S.S. Okinawa (3rd Shore Party BN) W.I.A. June 13, 1967, Operation Choctaw
“There is a smaller and smaller group of America citizens baring the burden of maintaining our freedom. We are more and more removed of the real cost of the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy as Americas. Some type of service to our country should be required. Not necessarily military, but something. Fewer and fewer are aware of the cost and responsibility our freedoms demand. Because of this, our freedom loses value and meaning. We must honor and embrace those who have taken on the burdens many of us have avoided.” –New York 11/10/17
“I am a child of the 60s. My husband at the time struggled to avoid the draft and became 4F, many of our friends moved to Canada a few went to jail. I was pleased when the draft was eliminated. I have 2 sons. I’m relieved that they were not obligated to serve. But now I have some to question—we have no ‘skin in the game’ & hence are not invested enough to do what it takes to protest, revolt or stop the horrors that exist in our country now—those that suffer are disenfranchised & lack the emotional, financial & political power to rise up. Let’s rethink this! Great exhibit!”
“I am the mother of two daughters. Yet, I believe that every American @ age 18 should perform a year of military service. Such service would be a great equalizer. It would throw together rich and poor, red staters and blue staters, young people of every ethnic and racial background when for elites and lawmakers have their children in the military, they will not so easily vote for war.”
“Citizens have responsibilities—one of which is in war; however, that means ALL citizens. A volunteer army removes responsibility. If there is a universal draft I believe our country will think long and hard before going to war. No excuses not to serve. When your life is on the line perhaps there will be more passion for peace!”
“I think the draft should be reinstated for everyone, men and women, at age 18, with almost no exceptions. That way everyone is fully engaged in any war we enter and will participate in the public dialogue. No student exemptions, so that rich and poor participate side by side. The fighting should not be left to traditionally military families, the poor, and the desperate. All should be a part of the debate, and any subsequent action. This was a great exhibit and really took me back to that terrible time, growing up, and attending high school and college amid such social and political upheaval and dissent.”
“Americans no longer have skin in the game. No one cared about the lies that led to Iraq because only 1% of Americans are active duty. They won’t care about the next war either because it won’t be their sons or daughters.” –New Jersey USMC
“I believe that required service to our country encourages young people to be involved in the destiny of our system.”
“No war should happen without: 1. universal draft 2. A war tax. All people will truly understand the cost of war – Lt. Col J. T. Hendersen 1927-2017 Veteran of 3 wars: WWII, Korea, Vietnam.”
“Very sad that so few Americans bear the cost of our freedom a true tragedy & a national shame!” – Vietnam Vet
“We should require every young man & woman to serve 2 yrs of public service, whether military or in some other capacity, just as they do in Israel!!”
“Red Cross as a Donut Dollie (civilian) in VN (’68-’69) I saw men who were not suitable for what they were asked to do. I would like to see conscription return, for both genders. Then challenge the military to put the right individuals in the right jobs. Everyone will benefit, especially with the knowledge that they served their country. To the Vietnam veterans reading this—we loved you then; we love you now. Welcome Home.”
“If there is a military, all should serve. However, all should work to end the need for a military force. Paying for our bloated force is a cancer that is destroying the USA.”
“When we remove military service from the responsibilities of citizenship we force those who are already disenfranchised to do our dirty work for us…”
“Gained more opportunities for jobs, life, & family”
“By removing military service requirements from citizenship we have gained more people who want to fight for our country. People who are there for a purpose who are passionate about what they are doing. Wouldn’t you rather have people fighting for our country who have a genuine desire or feel a genuine duty to do so? 2018”
“Having an all volunteer military lets political people remove the horror of war from their decisions. We now consider these soldiers much the same as mercenaries – NOT CITIZEN SOLDIERS”
“Ending the draft didn’t end the equality issue. Now its become an economic decision, again by mostly less well off, less educated people as a way to build a future. So still the well off are spared. I also think so many at the top, having no 1st hand experience in service are ill equipped for the decision making needed in leadership. We owe our veterans complete support if they were injured physically or mentally. What has gone on in the VA is another sin by our leaders.”
“We have lost a common purpose. It is still true that wars are fought by the poor & people of color and as long as that is true, it will be easy for (white) men of privilege & power to send them to their death (physical, spiritual, emotional) without suffering the consequences themselves.”
“I’m not sure we really ‘removed’ them. Not until we deal with inequity in our society (racism, class divide, etc.). Is it a choice when it’s your only choice? What we have now is the oppressed and under privileged dying for the wealthy. That happens both with and without the Draft (just look at our Civil War…)”
“We have sentenced poor people to become fodder for the military. These people are the ones who see no future where they are and they are inclined to enlist in the forces.”
“drafts are simply not necessary anymore. There’s no major conflicts/wars needed for a major draft and other forms of warfare and strategies are being discovered making ground warfare obsolete for certain countries.”
“If we really think that a draft wouldn’t be called if a major conventional war came up tomorrow, we are all, very very naïve. In that sense, nothing has been gained or lost – the right circumstances haven’t come up.”
What are our responsibilities to veterans and all others who suffer from U.S. wars?
“Our responsibility to all veterans is to assure them quality of life; for them and their families. They voluntarily offer their health and lives to protect the best interest of our nation. The very least we can do in return is to provide the very best health care and access to services they need to reintegrate themselves into civilian life.” –11/11/17
“Total & complete responsibility, medical, financial, vocational, citizenship, immediately & the wealthy should pay for it all since: a. few served b. they got the most benefits of our freedom & military sacrifice.” –RUN ’71-72
“respect the veterans, provide jobs, income, medical & psychological support. They gave us the chance to live our lives in peace & security.”
“I served 1971-1979 but did not have to go to Vietnam. Too often we have sent our children to fight with fanfare and the financial support to carry out the conflict with the promise they would be likewise supported when they returned – in need of physical or psychological services. Sadly this is too often a neglected part of our government’s obligation. Veterans Affairs received the left overs in our military budget. Claims by vets are held up in a legislative-induced bureaucratic labyrinth. The very ones we as a nation promised to care for are often 2nd & 3rd time victims by this lack (failure) of our system. We must pay this debt & obligation.” –Texas
“As a veteran and a retired VA employee we need to do EVERYTHING we possibly can to give back to those who sacrificed for us. This can take many forms. Priority should be given to providing FULL medical and educational benefits to all vets with service-connected disabilities. Yes, I know some of the above has been in place since WWII. However, today both of these needs are NOT being met by VA as well as they could be.” –USA ’65-’67
“It is imperative that we honor all veterans in any way who were fighting for what they believe was an honorable cause (i.e. for the nation or their freedoms). We must provide for them when they return home, the medical care and social rehabilitation among the general public. It is also important that we keep their stories alive and not let the atrocities of war be forgotten, for as we know, when that happens we enter another such conflict and re-cycle death and pain. Veterans are often looked down upon due to the fact that they fought and killed however they were doing what they were told would help protect their country and world and to say otherwise is disregarding the struggle of millions of people who have put their lives toward serving their country and world.”
“Care for our veterans in ways that honor them – improve the VA system of support – give press open access – safeguard & limit our ability to declare war. Make civics & history curricular requirements to create an educated public & citizenship.”
“To not judge them for the war they fought in because many times they do not have a choice. War causes us pain and our responsibility is to welcome them w/ love.”
“Whether we agree or disagree with the war, we owe veterans a lifetime of dignity and respect. They paid the ultimate price – whether it is death or the scars of the war. Both of my grandfathers lived with mental anguish and scars from their service to our country. Veterans should be honored for their service – regardless how we feel about the war.”
“Our responsibilities are peace, healing and respect, and truth”
“Our responsibility is to tell the truth.”
“Our #1 responsibility is to live in a way (and elect in a way) where one day, we have no more combat veterans.”
“Well, outside of a debt of gratitude and apology, US citizens and government owe the veterans not to engage in speculative and unnecessary warfare in the future. The psychological damage wrought by the horrors of war are too heavy of a burden to bare. As for what we should go to war for, that should be used for last resort. Military action is too destructive for anything to casually pursue. All other options should be exhausted before engaging in warfare. Even then, unless we’re protecting our oppressed citizenry, we shouldn’t be fighting.”
“We owe both the veterans and the anti-war protestors our full support and respect. Injured veterans deserve full medical care—physical & emotional. There also needs to be respect and psychological care for the anti-war protestors who gave up school and career growth to speak out against this unjust ‘war.’”
“our responsibilities to the veteran is to just remember them.”
“Veterans need to tell their stories and try and stop wars by passing on the real pain and suffering of war. Everyone suffers.” –Vietnam 70-71
“To not have veterans in the first place. To require a human being to suffer is inhuman under any circumstance of war. To not support recovery from the trauma of war is criminal. To allow a government to escape its responsibility to those who fight for them unforgivable. We should never go to war. The art of debate discussion and compromise needs to be the only way. A democracy is the acceptance of and the living with difference in an atmosphere of right speech, right action and compassion for our fellow beings. An unattainable ideal.”
What should we go to war for?
“War is never the answer! It should be avoided at all costs – and never used as a distraction (#45)”
“Go to War? Never! For no reason whatsoever! Will we never learn from our mistakes?”
“nothing is worth the death toll of war”
“War and violence is never the answer! Peace over war!”
“War is never worth it if we’re only getting involved to preserve democracy. Let other countries do what they want.”
“America needs to stop interfering with other governments and using ‘peace’ as an excuse.”
“We should go to war for the rights of our world, but usually we should let the host country work it out.” –age 11
“We should not go to war for any reason but then I remember the Holocaust, Nazi Germany, the death camps. This can never happen again & it is worth going to war for. Thank you for this incredible, amazing exhibit. And thank you for asking for our thoughts.”
“Our freedom only”
“Threats & Assaults on our Democratic freedoms.”
“For no more poverty and a better government. America needs to stay in their own business and should deal with our problems before another country’s.”
“Any killing done outside of purely defense from mortal danger or outside of what can clearly be understood as defense of freedom, love, and justice is fundamentally immoral.”
“We should go to war if: Congress declares war. We raise taxes to pay for it. We have a universal draft so people of all classes must participate.”
“I think we should go to war only if the international world agrees.”
“There aren’t many good reasons to go to war and certainly avoiding ‘losing face’ is amongst the worst. Incredible that it played a role in U.S. involvement in Vietnam.”
“This should send a powerful message. War should truly be the last option. We should always question if the government is telling us the truth—especially if the president tells us war is necessary! We did not learn from the mistakes of Vietnam. LBJ lied in 1964 (Vietnam). Bush did something similar with Iraq. TrumpàNorth Korea? Thank you!”
“The exhibit really hits home about the tragedy of war particularly in looking at the photo album of all of the brave young men who lost their lives, who will never be able to live their dreams and have families and enjoy all of the good things life brings us. It is enraging to think that politicians lied to the public about the war and caused the death of so many promising young people. Sometimes unfortunately war is necessary to defend democracy and lives must be lost, but it shouldn’t be done by deceit or ego.”
“I’m a veteran myself; Vietnam veteran. My brother was a Vietnam veteran; he’s deceased now. I spent part of my career working with homeless veterans. Many of them were homeless since their Vietnam service, and the scars that the war leaves on people is an uncounted statistic. Not everybody so scarred is homeless, so the numbers are probably astronomical. My point is this: before we enter into our conflict, we have to really compute how much this conflict is really worth to us because the total cost in human suffering is incalculable and it’s seldom worth it. If our own future is truly at stake then perhaps we must enter into conflict. But to just extend markets and exert power around the world just for the sake of exerting power is not worth it. Thank you.”
“We should fight for what we believe in and fight for peace, but no innocent should die in the process. I say hooah!”
“To go to war is to stand up for what you believe in and what is right, on a national scale. Violence should be avoided but if necessary used as a tool of defense.”
“Only in cases of self-defense or endangerment of our vital allies.” –One who opposed Vietnam war as a college student
“We should fight a war when our country or an important ally is under threat, fighting in places like Vietnam is a waste of lives, time, money, and energy. We fight people like the Nazis, not communist revolutionaries in Vietnam.”
“We go to war when we have to protect and preserve our sovereign nation, its territory, and interests.”
“We should go to war for freedom and liberty not only for ourselves, but also for those who are enslaved by communism or slavery. I think we as Americans have grown extremely selfish and self-centered and forget how many people are in bondage out there.” –Bloomfield NJ
“The Vietnam War is a difficult subject. Was it evil? Of course. War is always evil. But Communism is evil, too. Had we simply let the Communists take the country, they would have continued their aggression. At some point, a Vietnam War would happen somewhere.”
“To secure resources, provide markets for American companies, & the very rare occasion people or governments actually threaten our rights & our republic.” –Easton, PA
“If we are going to fight a war – (good or bad – right or wrong) – fight to win, not as a ‘side activity’ while the rest of the country goes about its business, fulfilling their lives while others give their lives.”
“war must be fought when it can resolve greater horror than it causes, i.e. WWII”
“God help me if I knew, we always get it wrong overseas”
“Only if invaded.”
“I think we should only go to war for environmental or political concerns engaging us and the countries bordering us. I think that MLK Jr. was right when he thought that the geography put us at a disadvantage in the war.”
“We should go to war to kill our enemies. To protect the American way of life, to protect those that are in need & are not an enemy”
“Only a very few things are worth fighting for. Most conflicts can be solved in much less bloody ways.” –ISRAEL
“Fight war to spread DEMOCRACY If we staying in Vietnam the Cambodian genocide would never have happened millions WOULDN’T BE departed and sent to GULAGS.”
“We should never go to war. Diplomacy. Peace-making. Should be the goal.”
“OIL”
“When we lose the ability to communicate and turn to weapons instead, we have already lost. If there is anything work fighting for, it is for humanity. We should not go to war.” –age 29
“Unfortunately mankind has not yet developed a formula for why they should go to war.”
What role does dissent play in a democracy?
“Divide threatens the future.”
“Dissent undermines our military effectiveness & aides our enemies in bolstering their propaganda. It also weakens the populations resolve to win!”
“Dissent often victimizes our fine military men and women. Dissenters must conduct themselves to the most moral and peaceful standards.”
“As a military leader, I was told ‘when they stop complaining, that’s when you have to worry.’ It is human nature to dissent and when that is gone, that means the spirit has been crushed and the will to live or there is something nefarious about to happen. Dissent only happens when people feel safe enough to do so.”
“Dissent serves the role of raising consciousness in a democracy – it causes us to think differently and to question. Journalists should definitely have the same freedoms that they did in Vietnam – that creates an openness and helps to inform the citizens as to what is going on.”
“What role does dissent play in a democracy? The foundation of democracy is dissent. A democratic society flourishes when individuals disagree and discuss ideas versus making authoritarian decisions. Our society struggles when dissent is squashed or marginalized.”
“Dissent is perhaps the most important check on a democratic government. It is the very definition of America.”
“Dissent is critical! Can be difference between life and death.”
“Dissent is an important right that we have in a democratic society. In fact it can be a very patriotic thing to voice dissent. Whether its taking a knee at a ball game or burning the flag, if it’s a peaceful act of protest it is our right.”
“The horror of war is always there. It solves nothing. This war (Vietnam) showed me only one thing—that my government and its leaders are very capable of lying to the American people. It will happen again and again. We must be prepared to dissent!”
“There may be no greater role in a democracy than that of a dissenter. And if you didn’t understand that after living through the period of the Vietnam war, or by seeing this exhibition, time for you to go back to school.”
“Dissent preserves, protects and defends democracy. Without dissent, there is no democracy. The right to dissent is what we fight for when we fight in the name of democracy. Dissent is Patriotic!”
“A democracy isn’t a democracy without dissent. Our country is based on the idea that the minority groups get a say in government. Our country is based on debate and disagreement and compromise and freedom to dissent. Disagreeing with the government isn’t just allowed – it should be encouraged as a responsibility of citizenship.”
“Dissent is the hallmark of a democracy, a thing to be encouraged, not merely tolerated. Government, in itself, is neither trustworthy nor virtuous. Only by popular discussion, even mobilization can it be held accountable.”
“Dissent is the most patriotic of acts – for ordinary citizens to challenge the authority of governments (military & civilian) and of the corporate entities that supply & support them take great courage.”
“Being a patriot means service and caring enough about your country to protest when we are not living up to our ideals.” –South Carolina
“Now, it is just as important for us to speak up for what’s just and what is not. Our future is shaped by the decisions we make as individuals and as a country.”
“We must rise up and call for what is right. Resist hate, bigotry, inequality, injustice, and intolerance. Fight corruption. Speak truth. Uphold the values of inclusion and democracy against the powers that threaten it for selfish greed. Now is the time. There isn’t time to wait. Dissent now.”
“Dissent is essential for democracy to function effectively. It is chilling to hear our 45th president speak of suppressing the press that disagrees with him or does not treat him ‘fairly.’ Without voices of dissent and open dialogue, we have totalitarian autocracy. Leaders like Stalin & Hitler crushed dissent, both in the press and in a public forum. Have we not learned anything from history?”
“The Vietnam War is a remarkable testimony to mankind’s remarkable belief in the efficacy of violence despite all indications and evidence to the contrary. When will we ever learn? Dissenting for peace is hardly dissent – it’s the most fundamental and unquenchable human longing.”
Should journalists have the same freedom in war reporting that they had in Vietnam? Why or why not?
“A free press is the most important right we have!”
“Journalists should be part of every event, circumstance etc. that affects the U.S. They are the ‘witnesses and history keepers’ of our civilization.”
“Journalists are the record keepers—the first drafters of history. Because of their bravery and sacrifice alongside of our soldiers, we are able to see the real, raw truth, even when it’s not a truth we as Americans want to sign our names to. We need to allow reporters freedom to do their noble and difficult work for the sake of democracy and—God willing—to teach us all to value the lives and souls of all who inhabit this planet.”
“Journalists should have freedom to report events happening in war. We have the right to be informed and educated to approach our elected officials.”
“Yes journalists should have the same freedom in war reporting as in Vietnam. It is critical in a Democracy that we all understand what is happening.”
“It is the public’s right to know what is going on during a war unless it involves a secret like D-Day!”
“Yes, the press should have the same freedom. During the entire VN war they never violated military information that would have put our soldiers at risk. More importantly, they showed the American people that there is no glory in war. By showing war in all its brutality they helped end it.”
“The American people learned the truth by the newspeople and photographers who covered Vietnam. Where is the news about our current wars? How do we learn the truth? Is the difference that there is no draft and we don’t care about the people in the all volunteer Army in the same way?”
“We know now that most of the politicians who promoted the war in VN did not believe that it could be won yet were too politically afraid to say so or call a halt to it—going back certainly to JFK and maybe even earlier. They knew! There were plenty of people—journalists, south Asia scholars, and others—who could/did tell them, so we need similar, unrestricted information today. We are deep into the kind of endless war described by Orwell in 1984 and similarly reluctant to stop it.”
“It is essential that the press be free to report, without hindrance, the actions and images of war. Only by exposure to the cost of war, can people truly know if they are willing to foot the bill.”
“The reporters who risked, and gave, their lives to accurately report what was happening—and the editors who had the courage and integrity to carry their coverage—changed the way we see ourselves as a nation. It forced us to confront not only our government, but also our individual beliefs—and ultimately changed our historical narrative. If we want to call ourselves a democracy, it has to be based in our ability to know the truth about our government and ultimately to examine the actions of our government and question them. A free press is what hold us all accountable.”
“If the photojournalism that took place during the Vietnam War was allowed uncensored during the last almost 20 years of conflict around the world those conflicts would end much sooner…I like to think that the photos and interviews, marches, offensives, battlefields and body bags did not happen for naught. I still have vivid memories of watching the body bags on the evening news as a young girl of 10, 11, 12…There really are no words…”
“I long for the day when we can bring back journalism the way it was in the sixties. Although watching the reality show of Vietnam in my family’s living room on a nightly basis was disturbing, it was truthful and important for all to know what was going on. “In your face” destruction is what motivated the anti war demonstrations which, no doubt, was a catalyst in ending the war. Secrets became no longer secret and reality was a big gulp to swallow. In my visit to Vietnam in December of 2015, I came across very warm and forgiving people who seemed to accept and believe the fact that war is not fair. I encourage all to visit. I also encourage more to expect, as their right, a more honest portrayal of what is currently happening in Syria, Iraq, & Afghanistan. A nightly bombardment of visuals, although disturbing would be very effective. Thank you to all who have served and thank you for this exhibit. Stay informed everyone. Wonderful exhibit.”
“Journalists must have the same freedom in war reporting today as they had in Vietnam. We must see the true face of war. It’s not just some random place far away. War is made up of people, like you and me, pursuing happiness and a better life for themselves and their loved ones. Only free press reporting can remind us of the killings, destruction and cruelty of war. Politicians will never tell us the truth about it. They’re too worried about their own interests. We must never stop working and ‘fighting’ for peace.”
“Journalists in the middle East should have the same freedom journalists in Vietnam had. We are stuck in a hell-hole of an issue that is not our war. We are spreading ‘Democracy?’ NO, we are wasting billions and our meat-headed president is only helping those issues. If we have the same exposure that we had in Vietnam we would have left the Middle East years ago. Spread Love not war. Peace” –Gettysburg College Class of 21’
“11/11/2017 Excellent exhibit! A complex and multifaceted topic. No—journalists can’t have the same freedom in reporting any way that they do in civilian life. They’d get in the way and can endanger lives. Hope you do a similar exhibit on WWII!” –Bklyn
“Journalists can tell the real war accounts to the folks at home. They should be free to report. I do NOT consider anyone from Fox News a journalist.” – a retired journalist
“Vietnam Vet 9/1967-9/1968 A well done arrangement of the complex times that surrounded the Vietnam War – or as the Vietnamese call it, the American War. You ask about free press. That is absolutely vital. Someone to tell the truth while those in power sometimes caught in their own delusions and fears and as a result may be low on the veracity scale. I just wish that we had the wisdom to figure out when war is necessary based on a realistic assessment. That was not the case in Vietnam and, unfortunately, in many subsequent actions. I honor those who served, particularly those who died.” –I Corps Wheeler Wallows Tet-Danang Khan Duc Americal Division 196th Light Infantry Brigade “A” Company, 3rd Platoon
Personal comments from veterans:
“My war as an orthopedic surgeon at Ft. Sill included the responsibility of deciding whose sore knee or sore back was grievous enough to keep him from going on to combat and whose was not. For every man who couldn’t go, someone else had to. I still think about those decisions.”
“In memory of all my fellow Troopers who died in Vietnam and all those who came home with broken bodies and broken mind.” –2nd Squad, 2nd Platoon, Co. A, 1st 501st ABN INF BN, 101st ABN DN. March 1968-March 1969.
“I was a Vietnam combat veteran; with the ‘Big Red One’ and on this day ‘50’ years ago—my recon platoon was ambushed. We received multiple casualties. I and my buddy are here today. We were both shot. Just want to thank you for this exhibit. Means a lot to us to be remembered and honored. Great job. I know it took a lot of hard work. God bless all of you.”
“I was in Vietnam from 1966-1967. I wanted to mention Allen Angel Santiago who died at the age of 20 in 1967. This marine was a New Yorker from the Bronx. He is buried in Long Island. He was in Dong Ha Vietnam. I just wanted to let people know about the unsung heroes committed to this war.” –Former marine corporal also from New York.
“Walking through the Vietnam War exhibit has me reflecting on my own experiences at war in Afghanistan. It was as true then as it is now: Nobody ever comes home from war. It comes back with us. Adapt and survive.” –USAF Veteran OEF/RS July ’14-Jan 15
“I am here with my young friend Jessica (LT/EG) and we are discussing the exhibit. She will deploy to Afghanistan in 2018 for a year. May God be with this American woman.” –USMC 1964-1972 1/5, 2/7 1966, 1968
“I am here with 3 of my grandchildren. They cannot believe what they are seeing in this exhibition. My only hope is that they are never exposed to the horrors of the kind shown in this exhibit. I was young in the Vietnam War, and all I can recall is the horror of seeing casualties get to 300 or more each week. I was helpless and agonized, and never understood the thinking of the men who ran the war. This exhibit indicates the strength and the ingenious of the military. It is hard to believe that it was all used in support of a hopeless, meaningless war. My heart grieves for the men who died.” –89 y.o.
“The Vietnam War actually meant very little to me until 1965 when I was called up for a physical. Drafted in 1966. Sent to Vietnam 1967-1968. I was there during the Tet offensive. Came home June 1968 never wounded. Served in 6/14 52 Artillery Group. Not long after arriving in Pleiku I realize this was a huge mistake did not understand why we were there. Participated in the protests started over Kent State. In short it was an unnecessary war starting with each of the presidents from Truman to Nixon failure to make decisions with out regard for the millions of lives on both sides, and the family member who were millions more. It has been 50 years since I was there. I still think about it every day and the wasted lives. I still remember the fear I felt when leaving my home. Knowing for sure I would never return and how incredulous I feel now because I still went.”
“My lasting impression of my service in Vietnam was that I was not playing for a team that wanted to win. In the intervening years (and wars), I am glad to see more purpose in our undertakings—yet have seen that war is generally a quagmire irrespective of the initial considerations. We have all the incentives to find diplomatic and economic solutions to political problems.” –Jeff 69-70 USN
“This exhibit has brought back a lot of memories of my tour in Vietnam – March 1967- March 1968 with the 25th Infantry and the 199th Light Infantry. 50 years ago today 12/6/1967, I was wounded in a fire fight with the NVA. We lost a lot of good men that day and many more were wounded. I pray that there will come a time when we never have to send out young men to fight in a foreign land or to fight someone else’s war.” –United States Army, New York, NY
“To all those that didn’t come back I still shed tears for you and know I always will.” –US Air Force 66-70
“I was in the Marine Corps, and I served in Vietnam in 1968 as a corporal. I went through the exhibit, I could barely get started, and I had to leave. The most powerful thing for me the mural of Con Thien and Khe Sanh national valley exactly where I served.”
“It was powerful and touching. I was there with the US Navy Seabees 1967-69. I believed in the ‘Domino Theory.’ I believed in the value of our commitment to ‘freedom’ & watched all the John Wayne WWII movies. But actually being there is different – what we read in “’Stars and Stripes’ didn’t match what I saw. Westmoreland & McNamara were describing something I never saw. It was terrifying to discover your government was lying to you – and who could you talk to? I came home confused, embittered to our angry country I didn’t recognize. I went back to school, I married, I had kids but I didn’t talk about Nam for more than 10 years. I thought we, as a country, had finally learned and maybe we could act more as a force for good, but what is happening now in our country and around the world? Can we not step back and try to find our humanity? I apologize deeply for my individual acts and for our great USA for our ignorance and arrogance that lead to our conflict in Vietnam. We can do so much better!”
“Great exhibit, realistic depiction of what really happened! Lost three buddies on Feb. 23, 1969 (Post Tet Offensive) defending Long Binh Post.”
“Money rules the world. We were sent to fight a war saying communism was going to change our way of life. NOT we have to always be aware of the motives of big corporations or the people who control us with their influence. NRA second amendments rights do not mean AR-15 in the hands of everyone WAKE UP AMERICA!” –Vietnam 70-71
Other personal comments from veterans’ family/friends:
“My husband went to Vietnam in 1967 not because he wanted to but because he was a soldier and it was his duty. He did not understand the war—but did anyone? He came home but only lived another 10 years because of Agent Orange—at least another 5 of his Special Forces team have died from the same cause. What do I think? I think they all died in vain—unlike WWI and II, there was no positive outcome except a few people made a lot of money and a lot of families lost loved ones. The soldiers got a lot of harassment when they got home—most like my husband took it on the chin knowing they did their duty. Me? I wish he had gone to Canada!”
“October 17, This is my 30th birthday, and the fifteenth year without my father, a proud NYC-born marine and Vietnam vet. He died from his service—Agent Orange and PTSD—but he was proud of his enlistment. I miss him every day. Thank you for this exhibition—it honors and gives voice to all the veterans who lost theirs—or who can no longer speak. My father’s and countless other names are ‘not on their wall,’ but you are honoring them, and it’s absolutely beautiful. SSGT USMC DW Morgan. 1966-1977 enlisted, 1946-2002. A love without end, Amen.” –His daughter
“My dad was drafted and served in the Delta Aviation Battalion. Proudly served. He is a good man. Currently, on 100% disability from the V.A. due to lung cancer related to exposure to Agent Orange. I am proud of him. Reading the card from a lady to her lost love, mourning the life they never go to have together breaks my heart as I think about my beautiful fiancée. My god, I pray for peace. I pray for our country and for our world. Peace to all.”
“Beautiful exhibit. My dad served in Nam, I Corps at Khe Sanh, myself in Desert Storm. We are both Marines, and hope that no one has to see and live through any more wars. It is not cool and once you die there’s no coming BACK!!!”
“My father fought. He still thinks we are at war. His mind never left. It was difficult to be raised by him. I love him but he cannot truly give love to others.”
“My Dad served in WWII, Korea, & Vietnam. The last one changed him – we all grieved.”
“My father served in Nam 1964-65 as a marine. Going through this exhibition I can now understand how a decent man could change into a man who was cruel, heartless, the war changed him. He died in ’91 of cancer.”
“I’m a 54 year old American and my father was a doctor in Vietnam. Served 18 months. Left 4 sons behind with my mother who was also a doctor. He returned a changed man in ways that I’m only now coming to understand. An exhibition like this makes me think the things that are necessary to think about. I thank you for what you did.”
“My brother was not the same when he returned. He came back but his mind was different. Drugs took control I lost my brother to Vietnam not in Vietnam. I am 61 years old and still miss him.”
“My dad fled to Canada as a young African American who was not supposed to be drafted because his dad had died and his brother was already drafted. There was supposed to be a law to prohibit taking both sons. My dad still lives there in fear of his freedom of choice. Needless to say I grew up without a father. My grandmother lost a son in a huge sense. Fortunately my dad did not fear returning to the states for a visit when no longer deemed a criminal in 1977. The absence of my dad was hard on my mother—the loss of his presence and the hardship of being a single parent. My coming here today finally allowed me an understanding of the Vietnam War. Thank you so much for this exhibit it has allowed me some closure. My dad is still alive and still lives in Toronto Canada.”
“I remember that day in 1964 when we were on the school bus and a teacher staggered on the bus and announced that one of our school-friends had just lost her only brother in the war in Viet Nam. We were so very sad for our friend and her deceased eighteen year old big brother. I clearly recall the day I opened my mail box and my brother’s ‘A1’ draft notice. I was sick to my stomach and knew that he was going to war and die a most horrific death. I was ten years old.”
“I want to let David Hernandez originally from Bronx, N.Y. know that I beg his forgiveness for not seeing what was going on during the early 70’s when we were dating. David was a medic in Nam. I was a silly teenager. I wrote him a dear John letter cause I was tired of Him. Please forgive me.”
“I remember when the ‘Napalm Girl’ photograph was published. I was 8 years old. I remember the Life magazine photos of My Lai. I was 9 years old. I remember being in summer camp when my counselor got his draft lottery number. Instead of focusing and worrying on his number, he held me close and assured me that my number was high enough that I’d never be drafted, and we both had a good laugh and it felt better. Vietnam and the politics of the day formed the backdrop of my childhood, because everybody read the same news and watched the same TV. Are today’s kids better served when their schools and parents shield them for the moral choices and dilemmas of our society?”
“I had three brothers all marines, who served at some point in time in Vietnam. One still suffers from mental illness. One died from cancer brought on by his exposure to Agent Orange. And the oldest of three suffers from anxiety, tensions, depression, etc. They were never the same after their return from what they described as ‘The Nam.’ All veterans should be taken care of by our country! They have earned the right. Peace and blessings now and always. I was never drafted & watched the war on television.”
“My father served in Vietnam. My grandmother always said he was never the same once he returned home. She said he didn’t leave the house – didn’t go outside for a year once he came home. My father physically survived the war, but my grandmother still lost her son.”
“The waste! The WASTE! Exhibition brings back all the horrible memories. Read the essay of the lost soldier who took his life, wept for you my sweet brother who threw himself in front of a train 2 months after his return home (1970). His beautiful light and the light of so many other beautiful boys & girls.” –Gloucester Mass.
“My father went to Vietnam in June of 1966 and returned July 1967… He returned with all his toes and all his fingers. He does not exhibit symptoms of PTSD or any other DSM diagnosis. The man he was before he went to Vietnam never returned. Robert McNamara told LBJ in 1965 that the war was un-winnable. My family has never fully recovered from the grief and rage of what my dad lost that year in Vietnam. Though he has worked in many ways, on many levels to stop the perpetuations of the lies that fuel the ongoing insanity of mindless useless un-win-able murderous war”
“My father served in Vietnam. He made it back. But he never made it back.”
“I used to say the pledge of allegiance w/ such heart as a little girl. I didn’t completely understand the concept of patriotism at such a young age, but I saw what war had done to affect my Daddy. The first time I ever saw him cry was during the boat ride at the MGM in Vegas. The ride took passengers through the different movie genres. We knew we reached the war genre when a U.S. helicopter rose up and literally started playshooting at the passengers. My Daddy broke down & I didn’t see him for the rest of the day. I used to stand & pledge for him, my Uncle, my grandpa & everyone they served with. Now & forever, I refuse to stand & pledge allegiance to U.S. imperialism. To a country that hates Black & Indigenous people. To a government that serves the rich, meddles in other counties, all for the game of political, economic & cultural dominance. To a government that does not care about a majority of the people in its borders, the people outside its borders, & to the people that served it under the fallacy of ‘patriotism.’ Fuck that forever, into eternity.”
“4/22/18 My Late Brother, Sgt. Clifton Watson Moore – Airborne Ranger joined when he was 19 yrs old in Memphis, TN. He was proud to serve and lucky enough to live a productive life once he returned. Agent Orange caught up with him when he was 56 years old. Death was sudden. We brag about him and his special place in the U.S. Army. I know he hears us till when we tell his story.”
“4/22/18 For Captain John Randt who died a premature death… probably the result of Agent Orange. John was an infantry platoon leader and went on many mission in the jungles of Vietnam. John went on to become a TV News Director and journalist. He was a fine person… very honorable and excellent teacher as my TV news director. We should remember Capt. John Randt. As we went on news assignments John would say: ‘Re-deploy to our next mission!’”
“I lived through this era and it made me who I am – a radical, a seeker of truth. The pain and trauma suffered by those who were sent to fight this futile war is endless and will be passed on to the next generation through their suffering. I speak of my brother who survived but his spirit was broken.” –a Marine
“As I walk thru this exhibit I weep for my husband who came home alive from this horrific war and had to endure. Blessings for his safe return home and sadness for all those who didn’t survive, including Vietnamese, and those who came home disabled—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.”
