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ATPM 7.01
January 2001

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Vietnam-Soldiers

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Reader Comments (102)

Short-T · November 23, 2002 - 09:45 EST #1
I like the picture. It was great in showing respect to those who fought. I liked it and others may not, but should respect it because if it was they who had fought, they would want the same.
Mike V. · November 28, 2002 - 09:56 EST #2
Am I correct in thinking this is an image of the returning soldiers looking at and remembering their fallen comrades?
Heather W. · February 12, 2003 - 00:32 EST #3
I like this picture because these soldiers died for our country. After watching the movie, We Were Soldiers, I have more respect for the Vietnam soldiers. they are brave, they have touched my heart, and I thank them for that.

One of my mother's friends was in the Vietnam War and he has taught me so much. I really respect them for everything that they have done. they put their lives on the line for this country and I thank them for doing that. So here's to all the soldiers who fought in the Vietnam War. Congratulations and thanks, from Heather W.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!! Thanks to all the soldiers!
Cat · February 21, 2003 - 18:53 EST #4
I really love this picture of our soilders. My uncle was in the Vietnam war and this is very touching.
Sadie Wilkinson · June 18, 2003 - 14:06 EST #5
I like this picture because it shows us soldiers who died for our country. I came to this web site because I am doing a project about the Vietnam War for school and I was looking for a good photo and I thought this was a good one.
Jonathan L. Weller · August 30, 2003 - 00:00 EST #6
I just want to say I have the utmost respect for Vietnam veterans.
Russell · November 11, 2003 - 22:51 EST #7
This is a nice photo. My father is a Vietnam veteran. He never talks about it, but I know what he did for us.
anonymous · November 12, 2003 - 23:17 EST #8
I'm looking for all the names on the Vietnam Memorial Wall. If someone will direct me to the site, I'd appreciate it.

--daughter of a fallen soldier
Lee Bennett (ATPM Staff) · November 13, 2003 - 00:16 EST #9
http://www.virtualwall.org/
Bryann Maestas · November 22, 2003 - 14:30 EST #10
This picture means a lot to me. My grandfather, Johnny Whelan, fought in the Vietnam War for a year and three months. With thanks to God and many prayers, He came home safely. The picture shows me how much pain and suffering the U.S. soldiers who fought for our country had to deal with. Not just the Vietnam War, but all other wars too. Thank you to all the veterans and troops and soldiers who fought for our country and gave their lives. YOU ARE REMEMBERED ALWAYS. Love you and God Bless.
bill k · April 7, 2004 - 13:19 EST #11
all the american soilders were brave and fought with all their might. it makes me proud to be an american to know that men fought for my freedom over and over agian. once more our brave american soilders fought for me not knowing who there fighting for. Get er done.
Nikki Alfrey · May 4, 2004 - 14:55 EST #12
I have family on my dad's side that was in the war. I feel that the war was horrible and should never have happened, but our boys and family were over there and need all the help they can get. That includes respect! I may be against war, but I still chear for my team! I chear for the people and the country! This photo reminds me of what we have lost and incourages me to carry on and reach for the goals I have been provided through war. Thank You All!!!
Krojgy Woodard · May 7, 2004 - 11:19 EST #13
Nobody thought that U.S.A. will go to war with anyone because we didn't have so many enemies. But now we can tell actually how many we got. I will like give all my thankyous and my reguards to the soldiers who fought for America. This is a great country and it intends to stay a great and marvelous country. We as americans can be mean and hatred to others but when in a time of trouble that is when we all stick together, that is what the true family Amerrica is all about. Nobody is better than America family if only we would stick together and turn from our wicked ways towards others.
Isaiah 54:17 (No weapons form against me shall prosper and every tonge that rises against thee in thou judgement, God shall condemened.)
Joshua Wickenhauser · October 19, 2004 - 18:46 EST #14
Great statue. I'm Canadian
anonymous · November 2, 2004 - 19:28 EST #15
i love this pic its very touching
ryan · November 18, 2004 - 14:06 EST #16
I love this picture. My dad was in the vietnam war and i respect him so much more for what he had to do and what he went through.
Bryan · February 12, 2005 - 08:58 EST #17
Poor your father...why did he ever go to war? I don't understand going to war...it's pure evil. Unless your real poor and have no other choice... But it's really stressfull and , if I fought, I would be really depressed if I come out alive.
shangeetha · February 13, 2005 - 07:08 EST #18
What is the point. The my lai massacre was horrible and they were part of it.
Brad Mills · February 17, 2005 - 20:18 EST #19
These soldiers are truelly angel warriors
claire Nelson · March 3, 2005 - 14:47 EST #20
This pic represents what the country fought for and i like how they portrade the statue of these three men who were involved.
Anonymous · March 8, 2005 - 21:18 EST #21
i like the pic but i need help to find people that were in the vietnam war that did not die can any 1 help me if so put a comment on
Tay - Tay · April 16, 2005 - 14:18 EST #22
I love that it shows respect to those who fought. And
I just hope that they do it for the rest of the wars.
kerry alaura · May 2, 2005 - 16:27 EST #23
Hey I really apprecate this wall because I get to go see it 4 the second time may 11-the14 i am so excited and I hope every one else appreciates this wall as much as I do!!! And my g-pa was over there.
bridgone_bridg · July 6, 2005 - 08:49 EST #24
I feel that the wall show's it's respect for the last real american fighting men!!!
andrew vaillancourt · September 24, 2005 - 17:59 EST #25
i lov this pic 'cause my father fought in 'nam and was pronounced an MIA. i feel sorry for all that died . i am looking for info about my dad, anyone help, leave coment. god bless america and bring back the soldiers from Iraq.
Jaymee Thurston · October 7, 2005 - 16:33 EST #26
This picture is amazing! It clearly shows the dedication that the soldiers had for fighting for this country. The war may have been pointless, but they were willing to give their lives for it anyway!
Ken Newhouse · October 23, 2005 - 00:22 EST #27
I think this picture is great. I just wanted to personally thank all the Vietnam vets for their service to our country. You never got the respect and recognition you deserved in that era. You truly are heroes in my eyes. Thank you again for serving in Americas' armed forces. May God bless you all.

Ken Newhouse
Beebe, AR
Sabina Wakefield · November 11, 2005 - 15:39 EST #28
i like this picture because it lets up aactually see a few of the men the fought for our country and i appreateate the men that did fight for our country because if the didnt we would not be free right now and we wound not have all the rights we do.

sabrina wakefield
minh nguyen · January 6, 2006 - 20:18 EST #29
sorry im vietnamese i dont feel anything about this picture. i wasnt born at the time but i can only say from what i know from my family, these people massacred women and children that these people were murderers.
you americans aint got a clue about the vietnam war you all seem to think that the vietnamese were in the wrong for defending their own country.
E.R · January 13, 2006 - 03:49 EST #30
The whole war began cause of Russia and U.S.A. wanted to test their weapons and show their military power. If you think otherwise it would help a lot to read some history books. The reason to attack a state because it's Communistic isn't enough and U.S.A. was never threaded by Vietnamese forces.

But that's only my opinion and I respect others.
anonymous · February 3, 2006 - 17:14 EST #31
great pic of glorious man....respect for all soldiers died in the vietnam war.

Italian guy
Sam Hunter · February 4, 2006 - 08:37 EST #32
I have the up most respect for all the soldiers who lived and died in Vietnam as I am a Vietnam War re-enactor, but they DIDN'T die for their country!! They died for the capitalist world, this is a beautiful statue in comemoration to those who fought, but i wish people would stop saying they fought for America, they didn't, the war wasn't one of petriotism, it was one of greed, you are de-facing the men who were there!! E.R is entirely right!! READ A HISTORY BOOK (that's not been writen or published in America)!!
Katie · February 17, 2006 - 04:06 EST #33
Hello, i'm not from any of the involved countries but i just researched on this topic! the war began on a false information. This was confirmed by the US on December 2nd 2005. Take a look at the Agent Orange Pictures... Im really sorry for all the loses in this unnecessary war.
Joe Vo · February 19, 2006 - 14:39 EST #34
Reminds me of how brutal the vietnam war that inficted many southern vietnamese that went poor like my older parents and relatives.
John Moore · February 20, 2006 - 19:48 EST #35
As a soldier who fought in Viet Nam and lived with a shame I will never understand, thank you to all those here who now recognize that we did fight for our country. Right or wrong we fought for our country and I miss all those who did not come home.
Furious George · February 28, 2006 - 13:56 EST #36
I don't understand why people say this war was about our country. I have respect for the soldiers that were there but, it wasn't about our country.
Kim · March 1, 2006 - 17:39 EST #37
I can't understand how some people could believe that the Viet Nam war was about the USA, is about Viet Nam. And how some of you can write that you feel respect for the American soldiers who fought in the war for "their country". What about the Viet Nam soldiers? They protected their country with blood! How many times haven't USA start an war? How many countries haven't lost everything they had becuase of USA?
If you can feel respect for the American soldiers who died in the war, than think what the war have done too those who realy had to fought for the land that they stand on!
How can you be proud over this. The American soldiers didn't fought for their country, it was the Viet Nam soldiers and the people! They was the one who fought for the land that they live on! Who gave America the right too take that away form theme?
M.N. · March 11, 2006 - 15:28 EST #38
How can you americans be proud of who you are? YOU STARTED THE WAR! You are the ones who always starts it! YOU AMERICANS HAVE NO MANNERS OR SENSE. What did Vietnam do to you? Can you explain? Exactly. how can you ever say "god bless american" ? that's just crap
gage speer · March 11, 2006 - 22:30 EST #39
this picture shows the men that may have not wanted to go to that war but they did and died.Its really proud picture of the american soldier
elijah hunters · March 15, 2006 - 16:02 EST #40
my gradfather was in vietnam war he was a marine who has earned two purple hearts.
anonymous · March 17, 2006 - 19:20 EST #41
i was just there i loved that monument
Jesse · March 25, 2006 - 18:13 EST #42
I like the monument! My dad was in vietnam from 1970-71! I love learning about the war! The soldiers that was there are hardcore and the best! God bless them all!!!
Granzi Natilso · March 29, 2006 - 04:30 EST #43
Long live the US and all honor to the fallen soliders of the war.
Honor to vietnam and US.
Colton judge · March 29, 2006 - 21:55 EST #44
Im 13...Im from Canada but I respect the soldeirs on wat they did for there country i Vietnam. Personally even though I would be in canada i would go and Fight in Vietnam and am thinking about joining the U.S Army if i can. when im older
Waldo Pepper · April 1, 2006 - 07:32 EST #45
I cannot believe the negative comments blaming the individual soldier for the Vietnam War. These comments show your ignornance of what really happened and what this monument stands for. As a RVN veteran, I don't care what you think of us. What counts is we were forsaken by you, our fellow American, President Johnson and the Congress. The Vietnam Veteran can look any American in the eye and say " We never broke the faith". That is something the average citizen of that time frame cannot say. They broke the faith with their soldiers. And we came home, the welcome we got got was insults, abandonment, rejection by friends and family, portrayed as idiots and drug crazy lunatics with random killing in the streets.Thank you America. We did our duty. Never forget.
This monument is about my brothers, not for anyone's entertainment or tourist review. It is about honor among brothers. For all we had was each other. We didn't have any support from the United States. We carried out our duty as we were sworn to it. And to this day we are brothers and will remain so.
So try and keep your negative comments to yourself and stay away from our Monument honoring our brothers if you cannot honor what they did.
Silver Spur 36A RVN 67-68 Air Cavalry
Julie · April 19, 2006 - 15:39 EST #46
I'm Vietnamese and I think that the statue represents the courageous and ruthless actions that we have made in the Vietnam War. And for that we should be thankful for our freedom and never take advantage of it.
The Man · April 21, 2006 - 14:04 EST #47
this statue should mean alot to people because of all the hardships and pain thease soilders had to deal with in the war and when they returned. Many of them did not even want to go but they fought anyway for there country
Anonymous · April 26, 2006 - 18:21 EST #48
Yes they were very brave soldiers. But they were not fighting for America's freedom. They were fighting for the entire planets freedom...from the spreading threat of communism. The vietnam war never threatened America in any other way, than with the notion of communism.
jason wilson · April 28, 2006 - 16:53 EST #49
I am from canada but i think that this monument is good. I read alot of negative comments on here, but the brave men and women who went to vietnam were just doing what they were sworn to do. I really doubt if any of them wanted to go to the other side of the world and fight a war but they were called on and they went. I think that they are Hero's who stepped up to the plate when their country called and i'm sorry that so many never made it home. I am also sorry that when they came home they didn't get the hero's welcome they deserved and i am sickened that even today there are people who don't reconize the sacrifice that these men made. I say thank you to each and every one of you that served and thank you to your families.
darxes · May 3, 2006 - 11:48 EST #50
I think this statue is good in showing respect for the Amercian soldiers in Viet Nam.

But the Vietnam War is another story. The American government fought a war against the Soviet Union there (some call it "war against communism"), so they sent troops to support the dictator regime in South Vietnam. Nothing to be proud of...more than ever in the ligth of destroying the landscape and killing civilians...nevertheless, the VC wasn't better in any way...
Anton Klepke · May 5, 2006 - 15:31 EST #51
Hmm, are you guys really seriouse that you are proud of the soldiers?

Vietnam was a little country, USA soldiers burned and murdered over 4 million civilians there, children and womens and old men and, yeah, just people who doesn't made any threat to USA or the napalming airplanes or the soldiers with autocarbines.

Do you really think that these soldiers fought for your country, do you think that the nams would attack USA or what?

These soldiers is only a good picture of how brainwashed people been of wars and warpropaganda and you are, badly but true, brainwashed. When someone come and kill your granda, rape your girlfriend and shoot your little brother in the head, I want see how proud you are about that soldier.

Wanna make a statue of him? I do not think that..
The truth · May 10, 2006 - 07:55 EST #52
Off course one should respect the great sacrifice the soldiers made, but who and what did they fight for? They fought to keep communism out of vietnam, they did not put their lives on the line for the US, they fought for someone or something, miles away from home. They fought and died because of american foreign politics was to keep communism from spreading, nothing more! And what happened to the veterans who returned? What happened to the crippled drug abusing veterans? You oversaw, hated and forgot! God bless america, yes indeed.
Julie · May 13, 2006 - 15:21 EST #53
I'm vietnamese and people that talk bad about the vietnam soilders and american soilders should be ashamed cause i know that they woundn't say that if they were face to face with someone holding a gun right in their face or they woun't say that if they were face to face with a real hero. cause i know that they realy don't think bad about them they just say it for popularity and they don't even know it
Michael Varga · May 15, 2006 - 22:40 EST #54
My heart goes out to those men who served, and bleeds for the other 110 Canadians and 58,000 Americans that lost their lives to a conflict that nobody understood, for a country that never appreciated them when it ment the most.
Jake Sheldon Igno · May 17, 2006 - 20:04 EST #55
i feel so horrible for killing i was in it at 24 years old all my friends died and i lived by luck i was a g.i in the battle of hill 118 but i did what i had to do and still i have nightmares about walking steadily up that hill and shooting. children after me do not sign up for this i was an idiot for doing so and remember what we did in Vietnam.
anonymous · May 19, 2006 - 07:57 EST #56
this is a great picture that they fought for a reason that they may or may not have believed in but when in the field of battle they are in the field of battle scared and uncertain these men wernt fighting for thier country,for politics or for capitalism they fought for each other because each other is all you have
K.W. · May 23, 2006 - 21:37 EST #57
This statue stands as a tribute to courage of the military. The soldiers in Vietnam stand as a testament to the danger of fighting without a clear plan. The uncertainty, politics, and bureaucratic crap kept decisive orders from being made, orders that could have allowed the military to fight in a more strategic way. Fighting in such a way, the military could have reduced the number of lives lost and possible won the war. But it was not so: the confusion "from up above" slaughtered the thousands of men serving in Vietnam. Every life that was lost was accompanied by an invisible sign: "Killed by a SNAFU created by 'peace' lovers." But these men still served. They continued to fight, even though the politicians' actions seemed determined to slaughter as many American soldiers as possible. This statue, then, stands as a testament to the courage, hope, and determination to serve a mixed-up country that these soldiers possessed. Some have quoted the phrase "God bless America" in mockery, but God truly blessed America with these soldiers. It is in respect to the so-called "peace" lovers who killed those soldiers that humans must pray to God for help. If a war must be fought, let it be fought in its fullest so that it may end as quickly as possible. Vietnam was not such a war, but our soldiers continued to fight. Who else can display such courage? Our veterans should be honored continually, and our fallen brothers, fathers, and sons must always be remembered.
Johnathin Smill III · May 26, 2006 - 08:33 EST #58
In my opinion it was good that we came over to fight but there were a bunch of people who raped and shot innocent civilians. Why is it that current soldiers who get deployed to Iraq MUST LEARN basic communication skills and learn the Arabic language yet did nothing like that in the Viet Nam war?
sarah mcintyre · June 7, 2006 - 10:15 EST #59
hey i love that pic.. i have a boyfriend in the war now...and i respect all the men that did and are fighting to keep us safe...
marc heyne · June 7, 2006 - 18:45 EST #60
as been in the army myself in south africa.i have respect for them.they fight for freedom.they ask no questions but do there job.you form a bond comrades which people dont understand,only they do.
anonymous · June 12, 2006 - 22:47 EST #61
This is a great picture. my father faught in Vietnam. He served his country well and I am very proud of him/
Guajira · June 13, 2006 - 06:02 EST #62
I am Italian, you excuse if I don't write very well in English but I want to leave the same a small memory in this site... I am speaking of the war in Vietnam in my discourse of diploma. I think that the war in Vietnam and all the others are never had to forget.
a kiss to all..
Guajira
julie · June 13, 2006 - 13:16 EST #63
this statue means a lot cause my mom and her 6 brothers were attacked when they were so little and my whole family. thats what they told me and my grandparents were held captive and they were thrown in jail i'm just a little sad that we didn't have justice and didn't win the war And now my granparents still live in vietnam. so you can tell why this statue has great meaning to me and my whole family and thanks to the americans cause they tried to help instead of letting us die they, are so couragous and I thank them
Donald · June 19, 2006 - 05:23 EST #64
For all the men who fought those battles, merely trying to survive a tour of duty, without a political agenda... other then trying to get back home in one piece !

To the bonding between normal men in extraordinairy situations !

Never judge another man untill you have marched a mile in his boots; in a hostile country, far from home, were friend and foe look alike.

A salute from the Netherlands to where ever you are... ETO, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Middle East, Central America, Africa...
Jo · June 30, 2006 - 20:09 EST #65
You haven't fought a real war until u tried to keep the germans out of your country, TWICE.

but still, i think u should respect every single soldier in the world, friend or foe cuz they all fight for the security of their people, even though they'd butcher the people of what they considered to be the enemy.
ah well what do us kids know about it, every history book has its own version so everyone learns another version of the war.

cool statue btw

VIVE LA BELGIQUE
maria · July 1, 2006 - 09:00 EST #66
they are great
katy · July 3, 2006 - 10:05 EST #67
i dont see the point of people going to war.
they say they have a good reason. what? your country fears communisom. no efence but that is stupid and idiotic.
there are other ways. you dont always have to go to war.
countrys go to war over stupid things like communism. if every country decided to go to war over every stupid and little thing, the whole world would be at war.
Lee Bennett (ATPM Staff) · July 3, 2006 - 10:34 EST #68
Katy - many governments would like to tell you that a declaration of war is a last resort after the "other ways" (as you put it) have been exhausted. No, it isn't always that way, and it's unfortunate. But you must remember that nearly everyone will have a different opinion of a "reason" to go to war. In their mind, they are justified. They're probably never going to convince you of their reason, and you'll likely never convince them of your reason to not fight. And, in the end, that is why people usually go to war—because a group of people can't convince another group of people to understand their side of things.
James Roade · September 23, 2006 - 20:02 EST #69
Those poor soldiers fought like mindless robots for their leaders agendas. Women were raped and children were killed, that is the sad fact of war. I don't honor that.
Daniel Smith · October 18, 2006 - 12:18 EST #70
I have always been wondering what it would be like to be a soldier and fight for what i think is and those soldiers did what they though what was right and i respect them all very very much.
anonymous · November 5, 2006 - 00:06 EST #71
Fighting men. They never quit eventhough it is hopeless. They die for their country, that is why we honor them.
Anonoymous · December 22, 2006 - 23:21 EST #72
My Father fought in this war, he was an Australian soilder the things he saw and had to do were horrific.
I believe this was a war that should not have happened. It took young fathers, brothers and sons away from their families - to prove what nothing, what good became of it - none!!!!
frisder louis carter · December 28, 2006 - 13:46 EST #73
god bless america
Courtney Boilard · January 3, 2007 - 09:11 EST #74
I LOVE YOU!!! thank-you for fighting for our country! you should be so proud of yourself! i wanna be just like you! THank-you american soilders!
Michele Wheat · March 27, 2007 - 17:04 EST #75
I am wanting to find a friend of my father in law that served with him in the war. I do not know how to go about doing so. His 60th birthday is in November and I would love to suprise him with his friend if at all possible. If anyone knows how I could go about this please leave a comment with instructions...it would be greatly appreciated. It is the least I can do for a man that fought for our country.
Toru · April 28, 2007 - 22:36 EST #76
Hi, I come from Japan. I see nothing from this picture. Are you sure that American veterans want to remember the horrors of war in Vietnam. How many Veteran's of both country to be delirious with? Spit in this war!!!
Michele Wheat · April 30, 2007 - 09:25 EST #77
I do not think that the pictures in this piece are meant to bring back to horrible memories that the vietnam soldiers have to endure. I feel like the pictures are to give the people who did not experience the horror the visual of why we need to show the soldiers up most respect and love because of what they did for us! The country did not show them any type of respect when they did get to come home the least we can do now is show it twice as much! No I do not agree with the war but I am not to judge.
Casey T. · May 10, 2007 - 08:03 EST #78
Although i'm quite young and just learning about the vietnam war in high school, just thinking about everything these soilders have done for our country trutly means a lot to me. i didn't know anyone who fought in Vietnam but i've been learning about everything they have had to go through and seeing some really scary things.. it's even brought tears to my eyes and i am just so thankful that our country has such brave men who have gone through hell and put their lives on the line for America. This picture reminds me of how so many men put aside their differences to focus on one important thing that they had in common, they were Americans. They came together and fought for this country and I really can't tell you how thankful i am for that. God Bless America!
Bruce · May 15, 2007 - 12:58 EST #79
Fine picture, even though there could have been a slight adjustment to the position of the camera at the time of shot but truthfully this has to be the most embarrassing snapahot of this monument to all of those who served in Vietnam (ie, my grand-father) so I do beleive there is much more to learn about photography here, besides the past (Grand-pa is a Marine)
Lee Bennett (ATPM Staff) · May 15, 2007 - 13:27 EST #80
Bruce - as the one who took this particular shot, I'm insanely curious as to what you mean by "embarrassing snapshot." I'm no pro, but I'm also no amateur. I very carefully tried to position myself to take this photo in a manner that revealed as little as possible of the D.C. surroundings (there was a line of buses, which is just barely still visible, off in the distance). Tried to maybe give it the sense that the soldiers were walking through a Vietnam forest. What about this photo is embarrassing? Unless, perhaps you refer to the snapshot the monument portrays...and not my particular photo.
Bruce · May 16, 2007 - 12:41 EST #81
I meant no offense, if that is what you have taken, but I am a very frank person. The picture upon reexamining it, is actually a fairly decent picture, it isust the way the monument is, you brought in a fact I didn't even consider when I first saw it, the jungle. The foilage of the jungle is very, very dense, not just a few trees trying to hide the background. A little advice; it would have been a better "snapahot" if it was taken a little later in the evening.
PS I apologize if I offened you.
Bruce · May 16, 2007 - 12:57 EST #82
May I suggest taking shots of WWII Memorials, I will be more than glad to help with the info. Contact me at sergeant_major1991@yahoo.com
Lee Bennett (ATPM Staff) · May 16, 2007 - 13:34 EST #83
Bruce - I wasn't offended...just curious as to your meaning. You're right, a later evening shot might have turned out better. Since at the time I was only in D.C. for sightseeing and not on a photography mission, my schedule didn't permit me to come back later.

ATPM welcomes desktop photo submissions from all our readers. Contact editor [@] atpm.com
Oma Harris · June 1, 2007 - 11:24 EST #84
does anyone know if this was a statue of the men who walked off of the battle of hamburger hill/ if so please let me know my late husband fought in vietnam and I am researching all of it/ he did not talk much about the war/ it was only after his death that I have found out mostly what he did there after 2 tours in vietnam
Lee Bennett (ATPM Staff) · June 1, 2007 - 11:39 EST #85
Oma - I don't think so. My understanding is that it is more of a general representation of Vietnam servicemen.

The best information I could find is at http://www.answers.com/topic/the-three-soldiers

I'd encourage you to try using Google to look up such information. We and perhaps some readers can try to help, but this page's purpose is just to offer the photo for personal enjoyment, and our site is about Macintosh computing.
Ryan · July 8, 2007 - 02:06 EST #86
The (second) Vietnam War was fought on behalf of corporate interests and the United States government's desire to have a hegemonic foothold in the region of Southeast Asia. The Pentagon Papers explicitly state this (resources to be usurped were rubber and oil). The United States was not "saving the world from the evils of communism." They were destroying a country on behalf of unbridled capitalism -- which is equally as bad as state-based communism (just read some interviews with Aleksandr Solhenitsyn).

As the son of a Vietnam Veteran, I'm proud of my father and appreciate this statue. My dad has been through a lot and has been trying to rebuild his life since the war. He's given talks -- his thesis revolving around the evils of American imperialism.

I often gauge my own family's experience and can't even begin to imagine how Vietnamese victims of America and France's war cope with the damage done to their society. The embargo the U.S. placed on Vietnam after the war was shameful.

The soldiers in Vietnam were either forced to serve or were completely benighted to what was going on in Vietnam (U.S. propaganda, lies, etc.). I do not place blame on the citizenry (i.e. the soldiers), but on the U.S. government's pernicious lies dictated by corporate interests (military-industrial complex). I'm exceedingly proud of Veterans against war. The objective should be to end it and vilify the proper people.
K D J · October 17, 2007 - 16:47 EST #87
I recently Read a book on the Vietnam war- "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien. It's a great read, and very interesting. If anyone is interested in learning about Vietnam through the eyes of the soldiers I really recommend it. It helped open my and it really makes me appreciate this statue.
Joe Evans Viet Vet · November 19, 2007 - 21:20 EST #88
Dont judge us to harshly we did what we had to do to stay alive We left our homes and fought in a land far away when we came back
home we were treated badly not the real heros we were Dont judge me if you have not walked in my shoes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Roger Finklestien · December 2, 2007 - 17:14 EST #89
This has to be one of the best pictures of vietnam i've ever seen it shows how the soilders who died in vietnam are at peace because the war is over it just shows that there is an errie sence of waiting in their eyes and they're waiting to go home or to die?
Richard · December 8, 2007 - 19:28 EST #90
I can't believe people are looking back at the Vietnam war as anything other than a horrific and evil act by the U.S.A. We INVADED a country, killed thousands and thousands of Vietnamese, conscripted and thus ended the lives of thousands of young Americans and for what? To stop Communism? If a country choose Communism, then shouldn't we respect that? Otherwise that ISN'T Democracy, is it?

Flip it the other way around and imagining Vietnamese coming here to stop Capitalism, which they imagine to be evil (they were told so, why think differently) and slaughtered thousands of white middle-class Americans. Then how do you view that war?
Dotty · March 25, 2008 - 10:35 EST #91
I agree and disagree with some of the negative and positive comments about the picture and the war.

Its all on how you see it from your point of view.

Yes, Im glad that I know that I have the security of soldiers going out to war and protecting me and my country.
But No, that doesnt mean I want them to go out and invade countries that aren't a real threat to us.

Im only 17, and im not entirely sure on what really happened in the vietnam war, just the basics of what a highschool teaches. I know that from my point of view, the Vietnam war wasn't really necessary. But I still give my thanks for the soldiers that gave their lives for us.

Even if it was pointless.
JDG · May 5, 2008 - 23:21 EST #92
The Vietnam War - a war like no other .So much confusion in the world , all seem to have the answer. But at the end of the day , the same question was asked "Why Vietnam? " You see I never went to Vietnam. But many young American's did. Only American soldiers and the South Vietnamese can answer that question. I grew up during the war. I heard reasons to be there and reasons not to be. Not all soldiers were given orders, like the order at Pinkville. Judge not. You see it is my understanding , that the people in the village was judged. And should not have been. They were accused of harboring enemy. So their fate was death. Most all Vietnam Veterans did not approve of that method,nor do I. Winning or losing the Vietnam war did no affect me and my fellow countrymen. But it did affect South Vietnam. It is now a communist country. I will always hate war. War is awful, but there will always be someone somewhere willing to wage war.
And there will always be someone willing to defend. It is nice to have the right to voice our opinion on such maters. And for all to think about,propaganda is used by all goverments.
The picture is very nice , and thank you for trying to keep South Vietnam -South Vietnam. Which is no more. But one country "Vietnam"
" The fall of Siagon 1975"
Respect · May 20, 2008 - 13:09 EST #93
firstly id like to start off by saying that i respect every single soldier who went to vietnam. although i respect them for fighting there and putting their life on the line so democracy would prevail, they did many horrible things. the my lai massacre was out of order and some soldiers who made it back home actually admited they were told to kill anyone they saw, regardless if they were innocent people. at end of the day america shouldnt have got involved because they caused more damage than there ever would have been.
Gary Byrne · September 22, 2008 - 03:53 EST #94
Most of the views here are ones that are obvious but the Vietnam war began because of an American company and thus food lobby who wanted to protect their rice paddies in Vietnam.
The idea that it was about stopping communism is half the story. Why not a statue to the great Vietminh /gong fighters who defeated the Americans or maybe even better a statue to both sides as regards the ordinary man. It was and still is a war fought for greed.
nico · January 11, 2009 - 17:09 EST #95
Does someone know who made this statue ?
Tx.
Lee Bennett (ATPM Staff) · January 12, 2009 - 21:11 EST #96
Nico - Scroll up in the comment a little ways to comment #85. I already posted a link that gives information about the sculpture.
akt · April 8, 2009 - 03:10 EST #97
Why did we go to Vietnam? It's called greed, corruption, and a lot of incompetent public officials. I hope LBJ and the rest of those war mongers are burning in hell.

MILITARY-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX (AKA:Haliburton, Bechtel, and all those other thieves)
djsfkjsdg djkd · April 14, 2009 - 13:23 EST #98
wowa, nice statue. it's sad to hae seen this happen.
janet martin · May 6, 2009 - 01:06 EST #99
The statue means alot to mebecause my husband was in the Vietnam war.He not only fought but was in the area where Agent Orange was sprayed. The last eight years of his life we went through ups and downs of cancer.The bad thing was when he was discharged there was something wrong with his blood. If only the government would had release the information on Agent Orange Maybe he could had got treatment before it went into stage four. I miss him so must but I know he is in peace now. He died April 29,2008. If you are a Vietnam vet and was exposed to Agent Orange you need to get check for some kind of cancer.
Bobby L Carson · August 17, 2009 - 05:15 EST #100
I will never forget the freinds,and soldiers who fail in Vietnam.
john w c · March 6, 2010 - 01:50 EST #101
I wish I could own a replica of this statue.
joel williams · January 5, 2014 - 08:53 EST #102
I am a Vietnam Era Veteran and to all dissenters of that war, I would refer you to a quote from Samuel Adams, referencing those who didn't support America's war for independence:

"If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude more than the animating contest of freedom, — go from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were ever our countrymen."
Also, Rape and murder is more a condemnation on Human nature than of war. War is Hell. Truly. God Bless the American Soldier and God Bless the American Veteran.
We still serve you.
Joel Williams
Vermont

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