Vietnam vets still ignored

When our troops were coming home from the war in Vietnam they were often met with outright disrespect and hostility, with little or no recognition for their sacrifice. It was as though Americans blamed the soldiers for the actions of our political leaders. I came home on a stretcher and didn’t have to face the immediate humiliation many others felt. But for the following decades, I and other Vietnam veterans have had to deal with the stigma. Many of us still battle with disabilities from combat injuries, PTSD and other after-effects of our experience.

March 29 was Vietnam Veterans Day. An opportunity to recognize the men and women who served in that conflict. It’s possible that I missed a report, but it was with great sadness that I did not see one bit of news coverage on television or in the newspaper. It would appear that nothing has really changed and Americans would still rather ignore us than face the real pain inflicted on a generation that served this country. Our news outlets should be ashamed. To my fellow veterans, of all conflicts, welcome home.

Hugh Imhof

Spokane