Tonight was the conclusion of the PBS special by Ken Burns on Vietnam. It has been an emotional experience. Hard to watch at times. I grew up during this war. We watched the coverage on television but I mostly remember not understanding everything that was going on. The interviews with the men and women who were in the middle of it, that are part of this documentary are compelling. Watching the emotions move through them as they reflected on their experiences and told their stories. If you haven't seen any of it, the clip below may make you change your mind. Or not.
In regards to the title of this post, it's an homage to the music of the times. And, since I am embedding videos, I feel compelled to share this one as well. Because it's that good .
I will definitely check out the series. And the song is one of my favorites.
Posted by: Amy in Texas | 09/28/2017 at 10:23 PM
I was a Navy wife during this war when my husband was deployed in ground operations for Navy intelligence. It was not a fun experience. This was when there was a draft. No one of my husband's age had a choice of whether to join the military or not. The only choice was which branch or be in the Army. In spite of the end of the war, all of these men, forced by law into servitude, were sold out by Jane Fonda, and spit upon when they returned. #sad times in amerika
Posted by: Dotti C | 09/28/2017 at 11:41 PM
I will definitely watch. I remember those times so well. I had a friend who served, and he would not discuss the war at all. Or couldn't. The song is perfect for then and for now.
Posted by: Chris | 09/29/2017 at 04:54 AM
I have it recorded to watch - but in the daytime. A Navy wife friend said it was not what she could get to sleep afterwards. I too was a military (AF) wife for the early part of the war. Because of my husband's job I was 'strongly advised' not to protest the war here in the US or when we were in England. After his two year commitment, in Turkey, he volunteered for Vietnam but was turned down for being 'overqualified'. Like so many of our friends, we could hate the war but not those serving. Same as today.
fwiw, none of the men I know who served in Vietnam have any interest in watching. They don't need to see it again.
Posted by: Maureen | 09/29/2017 at 09:59 AM
This was a tough series to watch as Vietnam was a big part of my childhood. I found the part about the protests quite well done, especially the Kent State University massacre. I was a senior in high school in May 1970, accepted into Kent State's School of Art that fall. I have a friend who lived in a house with a bunch of people, including Dean Kahler who is now paralyzed from an Ohio National Guard bullet. Getting to talk to him was an amazing part of my college education.
I was also reminded of just how many LIES the government perpetuated during this time...the same as they do today. We protested and naively thought we could change the world...now I realize the fight for human rights, justice & peace is ongoing. Unfortunately.
This is one documentary that was well worth the time to watch. I learned so much.
Posted by: Debbie | 09/29/2017 at 03:26 PM
I have been watching the series last week and this week. I learned the most from the very first episode, and the last one (last night). Quite interesting to have the proper framework and background of why we got involved in the first place.
Posted by: choc chip sally | 09/29/2017 at 03:53 PM
My husband and I haven't watched it and I don't know if we ever will. Married in 1969, we headed to Canada a year later in our '57 VW bus after my husband graduated and lost his student deferment.It changed our lives in so many ways, including the loss of friends. I feel sad just writing this.
Posted by: Linda Watson | 09/29/2017 at 09:24 PM