After 40 years, Vietnam memories still strong

[steve2470]

The last U.S. combat troops left Vietnam 40 years ago Friday, and the date holds great meaning for many who fought the war, protested it or otherwise lived it.

While the fall of Saigon two years later is remembered as the final day of the Vietnam War, many had already seen their involvement in the war finished — and their lives altered — by March 29, 1973.

U.S. soldiers leaving the country feared angry protesters at home. North Vietnamese soldiers took heart from their foes' departure, and South Vietnamese who had helped the Americans feared for the future.

Many veterans are encouraged by changes they see. The U.S. has a volunteer military these days, not a draft, and the troops coming home aren't derided for their service. People know what PTSD stands for, and they're insisting that the government takes care of soldiers suffering from it and other injuries from Iraq and Afghanistan.


Read more: http://www.seattlepi.com/news/us/article/After-40-years-Vietnam-memories-still-strong-4393940.php#ixzz2Ov6MIvAs

[madokie]

1. Tuesday morning this past week

I woke about 3:00 am in Vietnam. Not in body mind you but in my nightmare. 43 years and still as plain as if it was now.
The thing is it takes a while to shake this after it happens. wake up scared shitless, sweating profusely, wanting to scream, looking for a place of safety, worrying about my friends with me. Wanting to get out of this hell and can't get my legs to cooperate, my vocal cords to work. Yes I know
I'm coming to grips with all this thanks to this place. Today I worry for our Sons and Daughters, Mothers and Fathers, Sisters and Brothers who like us were lied into a war. A war many will never be able to leave behind.
Its criminal and the perps should be charged and given their day in court, the bodies dug up of the war criminals of the past so we can try them too.
Its wrong, wrong, wrong.

[steve2470]

2. so sorry you had to go through that nightmare again ! nt

[madokie]

3. The nightmare that never ends

never know when it might crop up, might be something as simple as seeing a jeep or someone in a field bent over working or just trying to get a nights sleep.
We should protect our children from this kind of thing, not let it happen to begin with. Yes we should

[Victor_c3]

4. Thanks for taking the time to write that

I know posts recounting my own war experiences are difficult for me to pen. The words might come easy at times, but it always takes a toll on me mentally.

I hit a rough patch with all of the reminders about two weeks ago of the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003. I totally get what you are saying.

Hang in there. Guys like you who have been there before guys like me give me hope that I can make it in my own personal struggle.

[madokie]

5. I'm a total wreck right at the moment

these memories is hard and something I'd rather not do but I have no control.
I go wash my face now and try to regain my composure, I don't want my wife to see me like this. It worries her.
Peace
Keep hanging in there, we need you.

[steve2470]

6. you hang in there too, you seem like a good man

[madokie]

8. As you do also

I must get busy and get this out of my conscientiousness for the moment

Peace

[Victor_c3]

7. I totally get everything you just wrote

If you lived next door to me, I'd take the day off and be right over with a 6 pack of beer.

[madokie]

9. Thx

and I'd have one with you even though for the most part I'm a teetotaler now.
My lungs won't let me partake very often in what I like so much