Reliving the Vietnam War Through Ken Burns’ Documentary
The Vietnam War was a harrowing period in history. If you were too young to experience it, you’ll never truly understand the impact it had on those who lived through it. For those who were there, the memories of the horrors they witnessed may haunt them for the rest of their lives. Ken Burns’ documentary on the Vietnam War offers a chance to take an in-depth look at this tumultuous time and reflect on how it might relate to the current divisions within our country.
A Nation Divided: The United States During the Vietnam War
During the Vietnam War, the United States was fractured into various factions, each with their own opinions about the conflict. Many people believed that our country should have never set foot in Vietnam, arguing that our presence only exacerbated the situation. Others felt that certain races shouldn’t have been forced or coerced into participating in the war. And then there were those who actively supported the war in Vietnam, although they were few in comparison to those who either remained silent or voiced their opposition to a war they had no direct involvement in.
It’s worth noting that the ones who often remain silent are those who actually experienced the war firsthand. They have little, if anything, to say, and for good reason. Speaking about their experiences tends to bring back painful memories for many of the men and women who served in Vietnam. While not every moment was filled with horror, the stories that have emerged and the PTSD-stricken individuals who have never fully recovered are more than enough to paint a vivid picture. Vietnam was a dark time for those both abroad and at home.
The Betrayal of Returning Soldiers
The lack of support from their own country demoralized many soldiers in a way that the war itself could not. Upon returning home, they were met with spit, curses, and the most vile names imaginable. They did what they were asked to do, they served their country, and in return, their own countrymen nearly disowned them. In many ways, the Vietnam War, as viewed from the safety of the United States, was an opportunity for people to express their concern and outrage for something that had no direct impact on their lives. Those who greeted returning soldiers with nothing but rage and contempt had sacrificed nothing themselves and were, in truth, the biggest cowards of that time.
It took immense courage to support the brave men and women who went into the jaws of a war that the United States should never have entered. They were ordered to resolve a conflict that had little to do with their own country, and countless soldiers paid the ultimate price for it. The politicians who pointed the finger lost nothing, and those who directed the soldiers where to go risked almost nothing unless their own family members decided to serve. Those who had no real stake in the war had nothing to lose, but chose to give voice to a baseless cry that was nothing more than the whimpering of a confused child.
Ken Burns’ Masterful and Respectful Portrayal of the Vietnam War
Ken Burns managed to capture the essence of the Vietnam War perfectly and did so in a very respectful manner. His documentary serves as a haunting reminder of a divided nation and the sacrifices made by those who served. It’s a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a sobering reflection on the consequences of war.
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