Introduction and Epilogue
For once, I actually agree with Severo and Milford. The homecoming of the Vietnam veteran was not all that terrible compared to the usual welcoming trend of returning soldiers. Compared to basically all the previous wars, except World War II, the return of Vietnam veterans was par for the course. However, the fact that their homecoming was similar to many veterans before it, does not excuse the behavior. Rather, it highlights the terrible pattern of the mistreated and under-appreciated veterans. What made the Vietnam’s veteran seem so distinct was the expectation of a homecoming similar to that of WWII soldiers. Who could blame them though? Ron Kovic wrote about the heoric memories he had of the returning WWII soldiers. The warm welcoming received by WWII veterans seemed a typical experience to Vietnam veterans because it is what they knew and therefore expected.
December 5th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
I think you’re absolutely right. I wonder if there will ever again be a homecoming like that after World War II.
December 6th, 2007 at 10:03 am
I think that the fact World War II was so glorified put an unrealistic image of war into the minds of many Vietnam soldiers. Therefore they were set up for disappointment upon their homecoming.