MENTION THE VIETNAM WAR and the reaction will be mixed, depending. Some served. Some supported. Others protested. And some, like me, viewed the war as teens not quite old enough to vote, but old enough to care.
Fifty years ago on April 30, 1975, Communist forces seized control of the South Vietnamese capital, ending the war in what became known as “The Fall of Saigon.” Two years prior, with the signing of the Paris Peace Accords, the U.S. ended its direct military involvement in the conflict.
But those two events did not end the pain and suffering or the issues which still linger and swirl regarding the Vietnam War.
At 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29, American Legion Post #43, Unit #43 Auxiliary and Operation: 23 to Zero are hosting a showing of the 47-minute documentary film, “Truths and Myths About the Vietnam War,” at the Legion in Faribault. The film was produced by the Atlanta Vietnam Veterans Business Association “to honor those who served in the Vietnam War, by providing factual information to address the decades of misinformation that has presented a skewed historical perspective of the war,” according to the AVVBA website. “We believe this a very important and long overdue film, one that captures the information and lessons learned most Vietnam War veterans want reported about the war.”
Now I’m always interested in learning and considering different viewpoints. And it seems this 2024 documentary by Emmy Award-winning film producer David Naglieri will offer me some new insights and perspectives via a Medal of Honor recipient, those who served, and historians. The film promises to address many facets of the Vietnam War from media coverage to anti-war protests to politics to the treatment of returning soldiers and more.
I well remember how poorly returning American soldiers were treated by many who opposed the war. They were not respected for their service. Rather, they were met with protests and disdain. I’m all for free speech and expressing our opinions via protests. But it had to be hard, really hard, for those Vietnam veterans, most of whom were drafted. I remember my own dad, who served on the front lines during the Korean War (“The Forgotten War”), sharing how he never felt supported and appreciated upon his return home.
Tuesday’s event at my local Legion, while focusing on the Vietnam War, will honor all veterans and offer them free wings during Wing Night. A social hour runs from 5:30-6:30 p.m. followed by the film screening from 6:30-8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
I encourage you to attend, whether you are a veteran or friend/family member; were a war protester; were, like me, a Vietnam War-era teen (who wore a POW bracelet); or simply want to learn more about a war which claimed 58,220 American and millions of other lives and left countless traumatized.
#
FYI: You can watch “Truths and Myths About the Vietnam War” online by clicking here.
If you served in the Vietnam War, lost a loved one in the war, protested or otherwise, please feel free to share your experiences/thoughts in a respectful comment.
© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I am always interested in learning more as well, I understood bits and pieces but clearly not enough and it still has left its mark on so many people. one of my friend’s brother in law was a pow who was eventually returned, but never the same, and incredibly scarred for life in every way imaginable. many of those who returned as well as those who did not go, were met with scorn. it is so important for us all to learn more about and not forget any of them and what happened
That’s the thing. We need to listen, to learn, to offer compassion and support to those who have served, including the POW you reference. I can’t even fathom the horribleness he endured.
This looks interesting. Thanks for sending the link.
You’re welcome, my friend.
Thanks for including the link. I have been on a mission to learn more about Vietnam including reading Vietnam: A History by Stanley Karnow. Still not done with it as it covers history centuries ago, through the war and a bit beyond. I watched the documentary and learned some things. I didn’t know about Eisenhower’s advice. What struck me was the emphasis on how the war could have been won. I guess it is understandable and probably true. I do wonder that if it had been won, what would the result be today? I’m not so sure it would be a democracy unless a major leader had emerged. The documentary didn’t go into how weak and corrupt the government was during that time. It is all so complex that I don’t think any one book or documentary can cover it all, but we all keep learning. That’s the important thing.
Colleen, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this documentary. I’ll be watching it this evening at the Legion. You’re right that we can continue to read, watch and learn. Like you, I wonder what would have happened had the outcome of this war been different.
Audrey, did you get to the Legion to view the documentary? Did people have reactions and comments? I can imagine that it might be very emotional for the veterans.
Yes, I did see the documentary, but didn’t stay long afterwards as my long COVID brain was struggling. I just needed quiet. So if there was discussion afterwards, I missed it.
The parts of the film that struck me were 1) how funding for the war was cut when we were likely close to “winning” (reminded me of the current U.S. administration’s stance on not helping Ukraine) 2) how President Johnson didn’t listen to the advice of those on the ground (ie closing off the Ho Chi Minh Trail) and 3) the strong accusations against the media in shifting public opinion to anti-war (that always raises my hackles, when the media is blamed). I should really watch the video again. I struggled to hear above the loud background music.
I think you are spot on with your comments. I agree about blaming the media. Karnow, who wrote the book I mentioned, was a journalist. So credible. He refers to the people he interviewed personally, both military and government leaders. After the war, he interviewed North Vietnamese generals – I think including the one in the documentary. Maybe there were journalists who sent people out, but don’t journalists always have local contacts who help find information? Agree – don’t blame the media for what actually happens. They are only reporting what they see.
I’m sorry you couldn’t stay longer.
The media is too often blamed. Don’t kill the messenger.
With my long COVID, I understand my limits, when I need to leave a situation because I can’t manage. Typically it’s sensory issues, too much coming into my brain, which causes me issues. But I’m thankful to be doing as well as I am. Vestibular rehab therapy for six months in 2023 helped me reach that point.
To learn how we got involved in Viet Nam (and the war) one must go (best source I have found) find the book Neither Liberty nor Safety by USAF General Nathan F. Twining. Interesting that his brother was a Marine Corps General. USAF General Twining made a compelling case that explains much. In essence, we did finished WWII but failed to tie up loose Ends.
Also, read the book, The End of the Line. Book is not about the whole war but rather about the Battle of Khe San. I (unknowing) work With Navy Captain Harry Jenkins and then knowingly worked with him – both of us unaware of our close proximity in Operation Frequent Wind (USS Denver – LPD9). My boss at the time asked if anyone knew anything about Operation Eagle Pull, Being the dunce that I was, I raised my hand. Out of about 50 people I had the only hand in the air. That was when my (Navy) Captain said :that is good Sergeant – because you are going!
Audrey already knows, I lost a cousin to a booby trap (IED_ name Army PFC Gordon Milo Gunhus of Kenyon, MN buried at Gol Lutheran Church around back to your right close to the roadway – whom I have never met) while I was in Viet Nam. (I was there September 1969-70, My USAF father – and an Uncle, a veteran of WWII, Korea and in and out, served a full tour 1968-69 in which I lost another cousin. In my being called to action in 1975 (Operation Frequent Wind) try explaining to one’s spouse, you are packing up to leave in less than 12 hours to where, can’t tell you, for how long, Can’t tell you, hand over the family finances and all the rest or explain 5 Purple Hearts (I have 2 fellow Marines that had that many). The brotherhood is such that those of us who went earned if not physical scare, then emotional scares. Those of us who didn’t got a different set of emotional scares and it seems that those who never served got some kind of guilt complex. (PS – I have NO Purple Hearts!)
Understand, wars occur when Diplomats fail! Even in a diplomats success, failure can be cast leading to war (Prime Minister Chamberlain for instance) The First Gulf War was fast – because the military wanted it over as fast as it could be done – and most of the seniors (officers and Enlisted. were Viet Nam veterans, Git Er Done!
Audrey, sorry for such few responses in light of an excellent post!
I appreciate your adding your comments on the Vietnam War, Gunny. You’ve been though a lot as has your family and your military friends. Thank you for your service to country. I’m sorry for the emotional scars that remain. Difficult to overcome. My dad, who served on the frontlines in Korea, suffered from PTSD. And he did have a Purple Heart, awarded 50+ years after the fact.
it’s always good to remember and honor.
Yes, it is.