Why Vietnam Veterans Struggle to Speak About Their War Experiences
My little brother Keith went to Iraq as a medic with Special Forces Team 1, and when I saw him in Federal Way, WA in 2016, he was no longer the little boy who I had helped to shape into a responsible and honorable individual. Keith's eyes held a distant look, and I could see the pain that his heart had experienced. When I asked him about the war, my brother Keith Anthony became defensive and made me feel like a child. The weight of his experiences as a medic, where he was often the one to witness his fallen teammates' final moments, left an indelible mark on him. Keith's experiences highlight the struggles that many veterans face when it comes to sharing their war stories.
In the Shadows of War
The silence that envelops many Vietnam veterans is not unique to that conflict. Men who have experienced the brutal reality of combat in any war rarely feel the need to vocalize their experiences. Conversely, those who only witnessed minor conflicts often feel a need to perpetually reminisce and recount their tales.
War stories are like teeth - difficult to extract from the mouths of those who have lived through them. The reason for this reluctance is deep and multifaceted. When you have experienced the horrors of war, you realize that mere words often fall short of conveying the reality of that experience. To those who have not been through it, it is even more challenging to comprehend the trauma experienced by veterans.
The Silence of Quiet Heroes
My father, who fought in WWII, spoke mainly about the time he was not overseas and the lighter aspects of his service. A retired Marine First Sergeant I knew spoke about the bitter cold at the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War. When I returned to the States, the American populace's reaction to the Vietnam War became clear. My peers and those younger than me often blamed Vietnam veterans, whereas our parents, who had lived through WWII, understood the necessity of following their country's directives.
Keith's experiences are a stark reminder of the profound impact that combat can have on a soldier's psyche. War is not just a physical battle; it is a psychological one that leaves long-lasting scars. The term 'baby killer' stung Keith's young ears, and he felt the disdain of a generation that did not fully grasp the gravity of the situation. The gap between my 22-year-old father, a WWII Army veteran, and an 18-year-old normal high school freshman was immense, and it was only amplified by the four-year age difference.
A Shared Experience, Wounded Souls
Like Keith, many Vietnam veterans carry the weight of their experiences with them. They do not need words to heal their wounds. They need to be understood, but often, finding those who truly understand is a rare occurrence. The silence that envelops many veterans is a reflection of the inexpressible nature of their journeys.
It is not just the combat itself that wounds veterans; it is the societal response that often exacerbates their struggles. Vietnam veterans, like many others, did not return to a nation that welcomed them with open arms. Instead, they faced a society that found it easier to blame them for a conflict that it never truly understood. The silence is born from a combination of unspoken trauma, the lack of a willing listener, and the sense that words simply cannot do justice to the experience.
In conclusion, the silence of Vietnam veterans is a testament to the profound impact of war on the human mind and spirit. It is a call for a deeper understanding and a willingness to listen. Let us honor these warriors by creating spaces where they can share their stories and heal, and by ensuring that the sacrifices they made are remembered and respected.