Thought I’d give this topic a Veteran’s Day bump. Ten episodes well worth watching from beginning to end. IMHO.

Respectfully,
—mike

One editorialist in the NY Post (a Marine veteran of the war) attacked this series on the grounds that while it is factually correct it is too gloomy and fails to highlight the patriotism and pride felt by many veterans who served in Vietnam. He complains that film of the panicky final pullout in 1975 is depressing--as if the inclusion of something which happened just as shown somehow invalidates the whole project because it's upsetting to watch.

If that is the real objection some folks have to this series--that while accurate it still makes them feel bad--then perhaps they should stay away from history altogether, as much of it doesn't show humanity in a very positive light and can be quite depressing to read or watch.

r to maybe help guide future generations from repeating history and making the same mistakes.

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r to maybe help guide future generations from repeating history and making the same mistakes.

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Given the events post-9/11, I'd say we haven't learned much from Vietnam.

Better to discuss it now, rather than wait 50 more years when all will be gone.

What troubles me is the belief among some that baldly showing the horrors of war will prevent young men (and now women) from signing up to be cannon fodder. Experience tells us this isn't true, and if the US were attacked tomorrow, the recruiting stations would be filled with volunteers.

War is NOT heroic, and those who serve rarely say otherwise. Yes, they are proud of what they did for the most part, and the scorn Vietnam vets received when they returned is a stain on the character of the United States. It's usually said that civilians don't "get it" about service, and I have no doubt that is true. But there was simply no excuse to blame the soldiers instead of the dishonest pols who sent them to do a ****ty job.

If we honestly show the good and the bad about history, and the masses come away supporting war less, then maybe that is a good thing? After all, the US has in many respects never demobilized following WW2 and has fought an endless series of wars and insurgencies that have killed many (on both sides), military and civilian, and yet accomplished so little.