Editorial: A long-overdue thank-you helps Vietnam vets heal

In itself, The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in our nation’s capital, evokes a panoply of emotions.

But none compares with the reactions of those who actually served their country in that domestically divisive war a half a world away.

Those fortunate enough to return home physically intact were met with derision or indifference for putting their lives on the line.

As one Vietnam vet aptly put it: “Some gave some, some gave it all, but everybody did their part.”

One Navy vet who flew over 100 combat missions was told on his return to San Francisco not to wear his uniform when going ashore.

“I came home to my country, and they didn’t give an (expletive) for me defending their freedom.”

Like thousands of others, he carried the psychological scars of combat inside, unable to unburden himself of that emotional toll.

That’s why for many of the more than 3 million who served, reading the names of the over 58,000 on that moving wall who made the ultimate sacrifice ignites a pent-up release of emotions welled up from decades of denial and self-doubt.

And although The Wall That Heals has made several appearances locally since its unveiling on Veterans Day in 1996, its most recent foray may have been its most moving.

That’s when, more than 50 years after the withdrawal of U.S. armed forces from Vietnam, several former service members received a long overdue thank-you.

More than 30 Vietnam veterans were honored during a remembrance ceremony on July 27 during The Wall That Heals’ stop at Devens.

They all received a 50-year welcome-home pin, courtesy of the Blue Star Mothers, the Leominster-based Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Post 116, and the Capt. John Joslin, Jr. chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), along with the two wall co-hosts, Operation Service and Clear Path for Veterans New England.

Each Vietnam vet donned a lapel pin that recognized them for their service, sacrifice, and valor. A message embossed on the back of the pin reads “A Grateful Nation Thanks and Honors You.” Symbols on the front include an eagle, which represents courage, honor, and dedicated service, and laurel wreath, which stands for honor and victory.

Many veterans, their families, and community members experienced The Wall’s 24-hours-a-day presence during its stay at the Devens Reserve Forces Training Area from July 25 through July 28.

A welcoming ceremony with military flyover was held on July 25 and the remembrance ceremony that following Saturday evening.

“It’s an honor to bring The Wall that Heals back to Central Mass. and Fort Devens,” said Operation Service Director Joe Firmani. “As our Vietnam Veterans hit their mid-70s, it’s more important than ever to bring events like The Wall That Heals to them. As time passes, medical and financial issues now make travel to D.C. impossible or impractical,” added Firmani.

“…We must use opportunities like this to educate the public on the sacrificial nature of military service so the poor treatment they endured in defense of our freedom never happens again.”

Devens Army Community Service Director Joe Cunningham, whose background includes over 25 years in Army Special Forces with two combat tours in Afghanistan, said he “had the honor” to serve as the master of ceremonies for both the opening and closing ceremonies.

When asked for his overall wall impression, Cunningham said he was “mostly struck by observing how much they (the veterans) revere the flag, either when saying the pledge of allegiance or saluting during the National Anthem.”

He told the story of Vietnam veteran Norman Beaudoin, who was a member of a C-130 aircraft crew, a workhorse aircraft for the military.

He and his crew had the sacred task of bringing home the fallen soldiers, encased in body bags.

“Norman recalled how at that time the bags were simply the job to be done, impersonal,” Cunningham said. “Now, 50 years later, seeing the name on the walls, the significance of what they meant hit home and you could see the heart wrenching emotion on his face and hear it in his voice.

“Seeing the importance of the flag to these men and women was a stark contrast to the images from Washington D.C. of protestors burning the American flag and yelling death to America.”

Thankfully, no other returning members of the armed forces since that time have received the shameful treatment that Vietnam vets endured.

Now, no matter our feelings about a particular military action or engagement, most Americans now make a distinction between our nation’s foreign policy and those individuals sent to carry it out.

Unlike our Vietnam veterans, they didn’t survive combat only to be targets of resentment and abuse back home.

Originally Published: August 8, 2024 at 12:22 a.m.