A recent Military Times article reported that a recent survey conducted by USAA indicated that the troops were tired of hearing, “Thank you for your service” from the civilian population. However, the Military Times article seems to skew the narrative to one viewpoint whereas the overall substance of the survey seemed to be that the troops wanted the population to “Go Beyond Thanks to honor our military and veterans by going beyond simple gratitude to create real, positive impacts in the community this holiday and every day.” That’s something I can totally get behind.
Yes, I too get a little uncomfortable with being thanked for my service and I generally just reply with, “Thank you for your kind support.” I suspect that most of us have a tendency to focus on the team rather than self in regard to our military service and the personal compliment makes us uneasy.
Many of our readers are Post 9-11 and are unaware that the attacks of that day are what spawned the phrase that makes us so uncomfortable, and it was not commonly said before that event. We were attacked on home soil, and all civilian aircraft were forced to land at the nearest airport and grounded in place, public transportation shut down, and many buildings were closed. The civilian population was in shock, but took comfort in seeing armed military patrolling airports, mass transportation hubs, and public buildings.
Thank a vet for their service with a color flag of their aircraft.
A few days after the attack I was at a high school cross country meet. Civilian aircraft were still grounded, which was an eerie thing in itself. You don’t realize how many aircraft are overhead on a daily basis until they all stop flying. Anyway, people were standing around waiting for the race to start and all was quiet. The normal cacophony of people chattering was absent because people were still in shock. That was eerie too. Then a rumble was heard as a USAF C-130 aircraft passed overhead on its way to who knows where. But here’s the amazing thing. Everyone there looked up and started clapping and cheering. Think about it. People were cheering for an ancient, unarmed cargo aircraft lumbering overhead. That’s how scared people were, and it shows how much reassurance they got from the military. From those days on, the “Thank you for your service” phrase became part of the American culture.
But before we say, “that was then and this is now”, let’s take a little step further back to the United States of the Vietnam War era which was an internally deeply divisive conflict for our nation. The Draft was in effect, and there was a very large and powerful anti-war movement going on with numerous riots and protests. And of course, like today, the media loved fanning the flames. As public support for the war shifted to antagonism the government was the first target of the peoples’ wrath. But then it grew to include the military industrial complex who were supporting the war. Lastly, by proxy, those serving in the military were seen as evil because they supported the war too. Yes, even those who were drafted and served as conscientious objectors. The idea at the time was that the draftees should have fled to Canada rather than supporting such an evil war. Unfortunately, because of this anti-war sentiment, many Vietnam veterans faced significant challenges and ill treatment upon their return home.
Here are some examples of the ill treatment that they experienced:
Many returning veterans were subjected to insults, slurs, and derogatory comments by anti-war protesters and even some members of the general public. They were sometimes called names like "baby killers" or accused of being complicit in war crimes.
Some veterans were physically assaulted or attacked by individuals who opposed the war or held strong anti-military sentiments. These incidents ranged from minor altercations to more serious assaults. There were reports of veterans being spat upon by protestors and I have known some of the victims personally.
Some Vietnam veterans faced difficulty finding employment upon their return, as employers may have been reluctant to hire them due to negative perceptions associated with the war. For example, it was a common perception of the time that Vietnam vets had been introduced to hard drugs in Southeast Asia and were addicts. Keep in mind that marijuana was viewed then as a hard and addictive drug. Nobody wanted to hire a druggie or a baby killer.
Many Vietnam vets did not receive a warm welcome home or official recognition for their service. Some felt ignored or neglected by their government and society. This was in part due to the unpopularity of the war. People, including government agencies just wanted to forget about it and move on.
Limited Access to Veterans Benefits: Some Vietnam veterans faced bureaucratic hurdles or delays in accessing the benefits and services they were entitled to, such as healthcare, education, and housing assistance. Upon their return from the Vietnam War, US veterans faced numerous challenges in accessing healthcare and benefits, which compounded the already immense emotional toll they experienced. The treatment of Vietnam veterans upon their homecoming was marked by a certain level of neglect and indifference, leaving many without the necessary support they desperately needed. It is distressing to note that instead of being embraced and assisted, these brave men and women were often met with skepticism and stigmatization.
The difficulties veterans encountered in accessing healthcare services were largely due to the lack of awareness and understanding surrounding the long-term health effects they were grappling with. Conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Agent Orange-related illnesses, and exposure to other harmful chemicals were often misunderstood or dismissed altogether. This led to a delay in diagnosis and treatment, depriving veterans of the care they deserved. Additionally, the bureaucratic nature of the healthcare system and the intricate processes involved in claiming benefits added further hurdles for veterans, exacerbating their struggle to access the healthcare and support they needed.
PTSD was not widely recognized or understood during the Vietnam War era. Many veterans struggled with mental health issues but were not provided with the necessary support or treatment. Upon their return home after the Vietnam War, US veterans faced a myriad of challenges, including the emotional toll of their experiences and the negative reception they received from society. Regrettably, the treatment of Vietnam veterans was far from ideal, as they were often greeted with disdain and even labeled as "baby killers" or "drug addicts." These derogatory misconceptions and stigmas further exacerbated the mental health struggles that many of them were already grappling with.
It is crucial to recognize the importance of mental health support for Vietnam veterans. The veterans' experiences during the war have left lasting emotional scars that require sensitive and comprehensive care. Many veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a debilitating condition that can lead to intrusive memories, hyperarousal, and severe emotional distress. Without proper mental health support, these veterans may continue to face significant challenges in their daily lives, hindering their ability to reintegrate into society and enjoy a fulfilling post-war life. Providing accessible and specialized mental health services is vital to address the unique needs of Vietnam veterans and enable them to heal and thrive.
The hostile reception some veterans received led to a sense of isolation and alienation, with many feeling disconnected from their communities and even their families. During the Vietnam War, many returning veterans faced significant challenges, both physically and mentally. It is unfortunate that upon their return, these brave men and women were met with a lack of support and understanding from the very communities they had fought to protect. The treatment of Vietnam veterans upon their homecoming was a stark contrast to the warm welcome and appreciation shown to soldiers from previous wars. Instead of receiving the recognition and gratitude they deserved, many veterans were subjected to stigmatization and even hostility.
The negative treatment and misconceptions surrounding Vietnam veterans had far-reaching consequences on their mental well-being. Many veterans returned home with deep emotional scars from the traumatic experiences they had endured. However, the lack of understanding from their families and communities only exacerbated their suffering. The emotional toll of the war, coupled with the stigma attached to being a Vietnam veteran, created a toxic environment that hindered their ability to heal and reintegrate into society. This lack of support and understanding added a heavy burden to an already difficult journey towards recovery.
Some veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange, a toxic herbicide used during the war, faced health complications later in life. It took years for the government to acknowledge and provide support for these veterans. We have the same issue today regarding the Burn Pits, but the Agent Orange victims had to fight much harder and way longer in order to be recognized.
The construction of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., faced controversy and opposition. The memorial was eventually built, but it was not without resistance. In a sense it was an early form of cancel culture.
The impact of the anti-war movement on military members and vets extended for years beyond the official end of the war in 1975. Even into the 1980’s, many military members changed out of their uniforms before going home. In fact, USAF regulations of that era prohibited members from stopping on the way home in uniform except for urgent stops like food and gas. It wasn’t until 9-11 that people were encouraged to wear their uniforms in public as a way of reassuring the civilian population. Very few people traveled on airlines in uniform. Male hair standards were relaxed to longer cuts to make them not stand out as being in the military. Personal vehicles back then had to be registered on base and stickers were issued for display on the vehicle. Many members placed the stickers on removable holders because cars displaying base stickers were often vandalized in public places. And for sure you didn’t wear service branded clothing in public or put service related stickers on your vehicle. Military discounts at businesses were few and far between and veteran parking spots were non-existent. 9-11 changed all that.
In response to the egregious treatment that many Vietnam War veterans faced upon returning home, various initiatives and programs have been implemented to improve their treatment and support. These efforts aim to address the unique challenges and needs of these veterans, recognizing the profound impact that war experiences can have on their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
One key initiative is the establishment of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which strives to provide comprehensive healthcare and benefits to Vietnam veterans. Through the VA, these veterans can access a wide range of medical services, including specialized treatments for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Agent Orange exposure. Additionally, the VA offers assistance in navigating the complex process of applying for benefits, ensuring that Vietnam veterans receive the support they rightfully deserve.
It's important to note that not all Vietnam veterans experienced these forms of ill treatment, and many received support and gratitude from their communities. However, the negative experiences of some Vietnam veterans have left a lasting negative impact on their lives.
My question is this. Does anyone want to go back to how the military was treated during the Vietnam era? I propose that we all suck it up and be thankful that the public generally holds us in high regard. You can be honored, ignored, or reviled. For the sake of my brothers and sisters in arms, I chose honor, even though it makes me a little uncomfortable.
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