Veterans' Perspectives on Returning to Vietnam: A Journey of Reconciliation or Reliving Trauma?

The Vietnam War, a chapter of American military history, has left indelible marks on those who served in Vietnam. The question of whether veterans should return to the land where they fought still engenders diverse opinions. This article explores the perspectives of those who have served, focusing on the motivations and emotional states of American veterans returning to Vietnam.

No Desire to Relive the Past

One veteran, speaking exclusively for himself, does not desire to return to Vietnam for any reason. His experience from 1967 to 1968 during the war has long been a closed chapter in his life. Despite occasional recollections of his experiences, he attempts to leave those memories behind to focus on the present. This sentiment highlights the physical and emotional barriers veterans face when considering a return to Vietnam.

Opportunities for Healing and Closure

On the contrary, many veterans express a desire to return to Vietnam as a means to process their past and find closure. Returning to the places where they experienced both triumphs and tragedies can serve as a therapeutic journey. They believe that revisiting their former battlefield can help them heal and bring peace to their lives. For instance, a Vietnam veteran who traveled to Thailand a few years ago planned to return to Vietnam for a brief visit. Upon arrival, he encountered a starkly different Vietnam, which was emotionally distressing. This led him to seek comfort in Thailand once again.

Challenge or Reward for Those Who Served?

Some veterans feel a moral obligation to return to Vietnam, viewing it as a reward for their service. They argue that those who did not serve in Vietnam cannot truly understand the challenges and sacrifices faced by those who remained. One perspective suggests that army veterans lead better lives than non-veterans, possibly attributing this to the resilience and growth experienced during their service. However, this sentiment is not universal, as some veterans, like the author, consider their service a heavy burden due to ongoing PTSD symptoms and the trauma they experienced.

The Political Divide

Politics also play a significant role in the attitudes of veterans towards returning to Vietnam. Some veterans feel that Democrats, who they perceive as competing for jobs with veterans, view them as damaged goods and thus oppose their return as a form of sentimentality. Additionally, there is a perception among some veterans that the political powers in the U.S. did not value their service, leading to differing opinions on the reason for their presence in Vietnam. One veteran expresses a preference for the actions proposed by General Patton, suggesting a more decisive approach to the conflict.

The Journey for Closure or Reconciliation

For those who have served in Vietnam, the decision to return is a complex one. It involves the potential for healing and closure but also the risk of reliving painful memories. While some see it as a rewarding journey, others prefer to let the past remain in the past. Ultimately, the choice to return is deeply personal and influenced by individual experiences of trauma, resilience, and political sentiment.

Returning to Vietnam can be a powerful act of reconciliation or a voyage that triggers unresolved trauma. It is a journey that requires careful consideration and personal strength. As veterans contemplate this decision, they must weigh the potential for peace and healing against the risk of re-experiencing the pain of their past.