Nearly 50 years ago, while a war was building in Southeast Asia, I was rescued from a highway car crash in Pasadena. During a speedy ambulance ride to the hospital, the paramedic reassured me that I had only suffered a few minor breaks and bruises. While I bemoaned the appearance of two black eyes, he clutched my hand and told me he had seen far worse injuries than mine and would see more: He had served one tour in Vietnam and had volunteered to return to the battlefields there. There was only that one encounter between us; I never knew whether the soldier who showed me such kindness was fortunate enough to come home from the war a second time.
I was a college student then, torn between peace protests and loyalty to a country mired in an unpopular conflict. I knew many who served and many who tried to avoid that service. I have touched the letters of a few familiar names forever etched on an imposing wall of remembrance that stands among the nation's monuments. As a former reporter at The Sun, I have seen the traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and spoken to those who paid tribute before it.
I watched when Maryland Public Television aired hours of interviews with Vietnam veterans over three nights last month, marking a half century since the escalation of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War; I was certain I would spot a familiar face. Eventually, they all seemed familiar. These veterans shared poignant memories of their own experiences, of lost comrades and of vitriol from those who condemned their honorable service.
As a reporter, I covered far too many military funerals over the years. Hundreds attended these solemn tributes to the fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hundreds more would typically line the streets and salute or wave the flag as somber processions passed by. I remember one long line of vehicles that thoroughly snarled the morning rush hour, yet no one so much as honked a horn in protest. The newspaper devoted its resources and much space to each story. Such widespread homage and proud attention was not afforded to those who died in Vietnam. Maybe the ever increasing number of casualties then overwhelmed the public and left families and friends to mourn without the comfort of a communal outpouring of support. Or, maybe, in the absence of today's pervasive social media, not enough people were even aware a soldier had died and his funeral rites were taking place. I want to think I would have gone had I known when two former grammar school classmates were killed in combat. We all lose touch, but that should not excuse us. No veteran should suffer the indifference of his countrymen.
Vietnam has taken a toll on its veterans and their families. I remember several sweethearts left at home, who wrote letters daily and counted the days until their soldiers returned. Weddings often preceded or followed that year away in a war zone. I wonder now how many of those marriages endured given the mix of high expectations and emotional turmoil. How could a battle-scarred veteran forget a war and plunge so quickly into domestic life?
Many Vietnam veterans are still coping with the wounds of war. They were scarred long before post-traumatic stress disorder was a recognized diagnosis. Far too many of them suffer homelessness, alcoholism and addiction. My cousin, a Marine who served a year-long tour, died of multiple ailments recently at the age of 66. His doctors told the family they could trace several of his health issues to his exposure to Agent Orange, a chemical defoliant widely used during the war.
The nation's attitude toward all its veterans has changed considerably in the last 50 years. Communities today afford their military heroes all honors due them. Neighbors rally to the plight of wounded warriors and their families. Various programs assist those dealing with the emotional illnesses associated with combat. Veterans frequently hear "thank you for your service."
This weekend at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, MPT's "LZ Maryland" Vietnam Veteran Salute offers glimpses into that tumultuous era in American history as well as an opportunity to recognize and honor the sacrifices made then by so many. I hope the military exhibits, films of USO shows, music reminiscent of the times and solemn ceremonies draw crowds. We all need to do more, to learn more and to treasure the contributions of these veterans more, especially while they are still walking among us.
Mary Gail Hare retired as a Baltimore Sun reporter in 2012. Her email is marygailhare@gmail.com.