The Vietnam war was a turning point in our country. Vietnam was the first true television war that was not propaganda for the government. Vietnam was the first time Americans got to see what war was really like. Because of what civilians saw in the media people started to turn against veterans, causing veterans to lose good will in the community. The negative turn was not deserved and caused a lot of pain for veterans of that era. The negativity should have been focused on the government and not the soldiers, but that is another story for later. When people returned from World War I, World War II and the Korean War veterans were accepted with open arms for saving democracy from communism and fascism. Most older veterans knew what war was like and understood what Vietnam veterans had been through. It was different for the younger generation; they did not get it. Vietnam is when people realized that war is truly hell because they could see it on their television screen. Our soldiers in Vietnam were just trying to survive and they did things that had always been done in war. We have always had to kill folks in war, and sometimes it was civilians, it was just not seen on television like it was in Vietnam. After years those who protested realize what they had done to the Vietnam era veterans and tried to recant their protests. They had become older and more understanding.
When I return from Desert Storm things were different than those who returned from Vietnam. The Vietnam Veterans made sure that we got the welcome home they never received. Those of us who returned were subjected two lot of good will from society. This continued through desert storm, 9/11, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The goodwill had been re-built over time. Since we have been in combat since 1989 there is an entire generation of adults who do not know what the U.S. is like not being in war. Society appears to appreciate the sacrifices veterans have made throughout the years. Finally, the Vietnam Veterans had gotten the respect they deserved. But what concerns me is recent actions has caused us to lose the goodwill that we have fought for in society.
I have been hearing some troublesome thoughts from people, even some politicians since the insurrection. So many Active-Duty, Veterans, and Police Officers were a part of the insurrection that people are starting to look at veterans as not being loyal to the country. Yes, there was a small percentage of Active Duty, Veterans and Police Officers that participated in the insurrection. If politicians and civilians start thinking this way the military will lose all the benefits we fought for and good will we have created over the years. Society might start treating us like they did the Vietnam Veterans in the 1960’s and 70’s. It is actions like the insurrection that could put all veterans services in jeopardy.
I know a lot of veterans, and none I talked to was OK with what happened in Washington DC during the insurrection. Most were horrified that veterans and military members would do something like they did. But what we need to realize is many of those who turned against their oath and participated in the insurrection did so partially because of the way they felt they were treated in society.
What veterans lack most of all in the civilian world is a lack of purpose. Those veterans who participated in the insurrection were given something by the militia groups that society could not give them, a since of purpose, and appreciation for their skills. Militia’s use veterans need for a purpose by appreciating their skills. These militia groups made these veterans feel appreciated and accepted. Society played a part in veterans’ participation in the insurrection. I believe it's important that society understands that and takes responsibility for their part in veterans participating in the uprising. I would also like to note that these Veterans, Active-Duty members and Police Officers should face the consequences of their actions. I'm not trying to give them a pass, I'm just trying to explain to people why someone would disregard their oath and do something as disrespectful as to trying to overthrow our government and way of life.
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