Jan

9

Unexpected Goodness and …

Filed Under Return To Vietnam 

The Reality of War

The Reality of War

We have now visited Hanoi, Halong Bay, Danang, Hoi An, and today we are in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).  It has been a very interesting and wonderful adventure in becoming more knowledgeable about the culture, customs, geography, and of course the people of this area.  What has struck me the most is the very graciousness of the individuals we have meet and spent time with during the trip.  The Vietnamese people are very much attached to their past through religion, stories, and myths.  Every place has its own special tale and symbol attached to it, such as the Dragon in Halong Bay that came down to protect the people many centuries ago.  To do so, it spate out thousands of diamonds, rubies, etc. which became small island that kept invaders from being able to sail straight into the bay.  A beautiful vision to be sure.  The only negative comment we have heard on this entire trip, interesting enough, has come from an American who never served in any conflict. His attitude was something like “I really don’t believe in PTSD”,”get over it”, and “that’s your problem”.  I immediately thought of Colonel Knowlton of the Wyoming Nation Guard – veterans don’t want to talk much about their services, they certainly don’t want sympathy, but perhaps a simple, heartfelt Thank You would be nice.  This American gave the deepest dagger into an already wounded soul.

Comments

6 Responses to “Unexpected Goodness and …”

  1. Nord Hjerleid on January 10th, 2009 7:22 am

    Still keeping track of you guys on the map. Sounds like you are dealing with some old memories and are working thru them. At least Jan has thrown you overboard yet. I can only imagine the beauty there. Keep blogging!

  2. Dixie RIcker on January 11th, 2009 2:55 pm

    Jan & Tony I am following this journey and it is so very deep. The American who did not serve, is ignorant! I did not serve either but having a dad that served in WWII and a brother that served, post VietNam, cleaning up, and two close friends that have served in active duty, in VietNam and Iraq I know that PTSD is a viable illness and you can not “just turn it off” or “just get over it.” When a person has not walked in the same shoes how is it possible that they can be as knowledgeable in the issue or situation? While that American feels he has the right to say whatever it is that he wants, he would not have the right if it had not been you and all those soldiers that have fought and lost their lives or their way of life prior to the battle to to make sure he and the rest of us have the right to say what we want. To get back on a more positive note.I am really enjoying following your journey and the feelings that you are coming to grips with during your trip. I can not imagine the emotions and visons that you must be experiencing. I look forward to more and can not wait for the return. .

  3. Chad on January 12th, 2009 9:39 am

    It’s good to read up on your trip and see what memories are awakening and what changes have occurred in Vietnam. I also have to admit, through all the traveling I have done, sometimes it is the American travelers who can be the most closed minded about others and situations they do not understand. Otherwise, I’m glad to hear your trip is going well.

  4. John DiCiacco on January 12th, 2009 12:26 pm

    Sounds like you two are having a wonderful time and I am so very happy for you Tony that you are finally able to put some ghosts to rest, at least for the moment.

    Were you able to take any river trips and are there still some of our old river boats floating around?

    For many of us old Warriors it has been 40 or more years since we returned home just to receive attitudes such as the gentleman so profoundly put it. Seems to me that he and people like him are unable to put the past behind.

    Go with God.

  5. John DiCiacco on January 15th, 2009 12:59 pm

    Just the mention of Cambodia brings back memories of the many days I spent there during 1969 while still a river rat. I can only speak for myself here but in my opinion our Government bares the blame for abandoning thousands of innocent Cambodians after our pull out in 1975.

    I visited Bangkok in 1968 while on a five day R&R.
    Did you have time to see the cock fights and kick boxers on your tour?

    Enjoy the rest of you journey.

  6. Robert F. Bragg on January 19th, 2009 8:57 pm

    Tony and Jan; I do believe in PTSD, I do Believe in God and I know that I have had tears so I can experience Joy today. That is the same with the Guy who had the attituede about not believing. Without his type we would have no one to inform. I finished my tour with the 115th Fires Brigade and have moved from my job as Veterans Advocate to being the newly appointed treatment director for the Casper Re-Entry Center (Prisoners seeking treatment from Local, State, and Federal Corrections) Believe me I see TBI and PTSD on a daily basis with this population. Lots of veterans too. Keep on keeping on, Your Friend, Bob Bragg USN RET