Vietnam

So there you have it- Malaysia. Originally not part of the intended program. It was supposed to be Myanmar instead. Probably for the best- eh? So close to Thailand. Or how about Australia? It seems to be a big tease to be nearby all these amazing countries, and we’re flying right past them. I know, I know- what right do I have to complain? I just know how close I am to so much more. But anyways-

In Global Studies, John Wagner gave a presentation on the Vietnam War. He showed pictures of the men in his unit, and of his year there. In another class, my professor shared a very different experience. Unlike Wagner, he doesn’t share his often. It’s much more personal. Both of them are going back for the first time. Then tonight they showed a movie that included the war.

So let me share a brief story. My sophomore year of college, I signed up for a history of war class. I missed my first day and walked in the second wearing hot pink, all dolled up. Everyone in class (keep in mind it was like HIST 498) was graduating or already graduated. The teacher was a vet who was published and didn’t hold back. It was one of the most intense classes, no, THE most intense class I’ve ever had. I didn’t think I’d get out alive. And you know what- I did. I got a B+.

We focused heavily on the Vietnam War and the aftermath of its soldiers. It was a war that played a huge role for those who are upwards of 50’s. I had lectures and seen movies that looked at the actual war to the psychological affects. Yet putting everything I learned into case study hit home much harder. You know- one man said he could talk about it like the drop of a hat. The other cried. Both are still obviously very much affected by it. One separated himself from it that he does not have to cope with it. The other holds it inside. Seeing the pictures and hearing their stories really made me aware of this reality that only a couple generations ago faced. You know, I might not have been around for it, but people still walk around being affected even to this day.

It puts going to Vietnam into such a different perspective.