Vietnam was the war where WWII era military served with Baby Boomers. Unlike WWII, it was never a declared war. When the troops returned, they were vilified–not treated like the conquering heroes who defeated the Nazis and the Japanese or the Thank you for you service with which we appropriately greet our veterans today. They were the last troops to be drafted and the first of the All Volunteer military we have today.
Ironically, being a veteran has once again become a political asset–Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Iraq or Afghanistan are all treated with respect.
According to the American War Library, on February 28, 2019:
As of this date The American War Library estimates that approximately 610,000 Americans who served on land in Vietnam or in the air over Vietnam between 1954 and 1975 are alive today. And approximately 164,000 Americans who served at sea in Vietnam waters are alive today.
Vietnam Vets die at a rate of 390 a day. So please thank a Vietnam Vet while there are still some left to thank.
ThanksSent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
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My pleasure. They deserve to be acknowledged and thanked.
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I lost too many friends in that hell-hold.
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I’m sorry (but not surprised) to hear that GP. As long as you remember them, they may be gone but they are not forgotten. You do all veterans a service with your blog and in Farewell Salutes. Keep up the good work.
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Thank you for that.
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