05/28/2024
Tonight in group we talked about how past events shape so much of our beliefs and attitudes. I talked about the Vietnam conflict and the draft. It's not uncommon for me to be the oldest person in the room. Although some knew the history, none could fully grasp the concept of young people being swept from their families, jobs and lives to go fight is a conflict they may or may not agree with.
As someone who wasn't drafted, I had friends that didn't come home. I watched their families grieve. I heard words of praise for those who sacrificed their lives for out country while hearing the continuing question, why?
As irony often plays out, I got home and caught most of one of the most powerful documentaries I've seen. It was many of the actors and actresses that played a role in the series MASH. I don't have a clue what it was like in the jungle of war. But the documentary brought back raw emotions of that time in history. MASH was a comedy yet mixed with the reality of horror.
Watching clips from the show, reminded me of that time in life. It reminded me of how powerful the series was for the times. It also reminded me that as much as that period of time shaped some of my beliefs, there's no way it could help me know what it was to have been there.
As much as I honor all fallen service people that sacrificed their lives in service of our country, I want to express my gratitude and validate the honor for those who were in the jungles of Vietnam. Many didn't choose to go but patriotically went when called. As the conflict ended and our heroes came home, in my opinion they didn't receive the honor and support they should have.
For whatever reason, our heroes of Vietnam were seen differently from other Veterans of War. The documentary of MASH and memories of living that time in history left me with continued gratitude for those who DID go and yet that one question lingers, why, and did we learn from it?
Thank you to ALL who bravely served.