I missed the date, but the war in Vietnam ended 30 April 1975, fifty years ago. As my dad might say, there's been a lot of water flowing under the bridge since then. Over the years, especially the last several, I've been reading books and watching documentaries about the war. The justifications and framing were vastly different from what I grew up with. In my teenage mind, when I enlisted, it was simpler. In retrospect, a guardian angel must have watched over me - The war ended before I was out of medic training, and I was sent to a different shore. Which is its own story. I wish the 50th anniversary of the war was not so forgotten. But I suppose, every generation has to find its own way.
A lot of kids from my high school died in that war. Now they want to get involved with another unwinable conflict !! People never learn, they just keep repeating history.
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Because people never really learn much, which is why history repeats... This actually reminded me of the stories from world war 2, when an uncle of mine, (husband of my mother's elder sister) - Had fought in the jungles of Burma against the Japanese. I remember listening to those stories with great interest as a very young kid in the early 80s.
My DH was a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam conflict. The Vietnam veterans are referred to as a “lost generation. These brave individuals faced a lack of support, understanding, and recognition for their sacrifices when they returned home. He rode with the 11th cav Blackhorse Division. 1966 -1973. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/11th_Armored_Cavalry_Regiment @Daniel W so glad the war ended before you finished your training in the army. Thank for your service and sacrifices you endured for our country. Memorial Day will be a day of remembrance for all those lost. The American Flag ceremony, taps, gun salute and a Flyover by the Oregon Air National Guard F-15 Eagle Jets will conduct flyovers in Oregon as part of Operation American Resolve. The Boyscouts of America put flags on each grave sight every Memorial Day. It’s a time to remember all those lost and celebrate their courage for our freedom. Willamette National Cemetery hosts the military ceremony in memory of those lost in all conflicts , May 26, 2025 Portland, Oregon.
