Vietnam Vets Need Recognition

Construction of a memorial to eight women who died in Vietnam may seem to be overkill (“Give the Women Vets Their Due,” Nov. 8). Please remember, though: The Vietnam War was not only combat. It was a national trauma to which we contributed our young men and women. The war created a feeling that future generations will neither appreciate nor understand.

I understand. I was drafted in August, 1966. I trained with several men and women who died in the war that had so little meaning or purpose. My family suffered the ultimate Vietnam tragedy when my kid brother died on Aug. 28, 1968, one week from his 21st birthday.

It seemed that everyone in the nation was angry about Vietnam from 1966 to 1975. Those of us who served suffered the most. I quit wearing my Army lieutenant’s uniform off base in Atlanta to avoid being called a baby killer or a druggie. I was neither.

There could not be enough memorials to those who served and died in America’s national nightmare. All veterans deserve recognition, but those who suffered the trauma of Vietnam deserve special recognition. The Washington and Sacramento memorials were a wonderful start to healing after the war. The memorials are all that my children will ever know of their uncle.

GARY L. WASHBURN

Chatsworth