Thirty years ago I was sent to fight a war against other human beings. It was terrible. As in all wars, there are no winners. Just short-lived victories. At the end of battles those who fought, served, won or lost, are only victims - on both sides of the conflict.

I am a victim of the Vietnam War. Not because I was there in the heat of battle. But because I survived the war. There is tremendous pain and guilt felt by most warriors who did not die in the war, while their brothers and sisters did. I am a victim of the war because at the young age of 19, I lost my youth, my innocence, myself. In 365 days, I was forced to experience every possible emotion given to humankind. When I returned to my "home," America, I was received cruelly and unjustly.

Find Out More

1954-1965: America's Commitment to the Vietnam War

1965-1968: The United States Takes Charge

1968-1975: "Vietnamization" Policy

Today: Thoughts on the Vietnam War

Maps

Vietnam Political Map

Vietnam Elevation Map

Student Video:
At the Dinner Table

Today I find myself back in Vietnam. Today I feel that I can finally lift my head high and with honor, for the people of Vietnam have given me back my spirit. They have opened their borders and their ears and have given me the gift of peace, forgiveness and love. What America could not give me in 30 years I have found in Vietnam in a matter of days.

My message to you, my younger brothers and sisters of the world is to love your country, but beware, be honest and let your conscience be your guide. With these three to escort you through life, you will be the great leaders of tomorrow.

--Your Friend, Jose


Thirty years ago I served in the U.S. Military in Vietnam as an Army nurse. My memories are filled with injured and dying American soldiers, and Vietnamese people who were wounded in the crossfires of war. I recall the sights, the sounds, the smell of war. There is peace here now. The war is over.

People around the world at all times should be making friendships, not war. My trip has brought us, former enemies, together to reconcile and know each other better. On this trip I have witnessed extraordinary triumphs over adversity. Some say we must not dwell on the past, that we must move on. That is true, but we must always remember our past and never forget those men and women who sacrificed. Learning history is extremely important, so that current and future generations do not follow the paths by which earlier generations chose to solve problems.

In the face of battle, there are those who bring mercy and hope. American doctors, nurses, and medics offered their skills and compassion and saved thousands of lives from both sides of the war. I cared for many Vietnamese alongside our soldiers in the hospitals. I think of them, and hope they have good lives now. War is ugly. It is brutal. I hope that each one of you will find a better way than war to solve differences. 

--Diane Evans

 
I feel that the war in Vietnam directly affects me and my family. My father is a veteran and I think that his subsequent exposure to Agent Orange, a defoliant, resulted in my birth defect and later amputation, as well as my brother's birth defect. The Vietnam War is something that I can understand intellectually, but personally I have never been able to share in my father's experience and understand how it directly affected him.

Coming to Vietnam and being with the veterans has been a tremendous experience. By sharing in their experiences and memories, their pain and their joy, I feel that I have come closer to understanding my own father. They have helped me to understand some of the effects and experiences that my father must have gone through. Through these veterans, I have come closer to my father and my family as a whole.

This trip has been a journey through the heart and soul of every person in the world. The mission -- healing and reconciliation from a painful, confusing and calamitous war by the people that were directly involved -- is a one serves as an example to the entire world. The strength of the human heart to forgive and forget, and the strength of the human spirit to overcome pain and adversity, is a lesson that will be seen and, hopefully, followed by all. 

--Derry Mason

Copyright 2007.