Let's Get It Right This Time

The Storyteller’s Corner

 

Let’s Get It Right This Time

                                                    By Collette

The treatment of returning soldiers has varied with each war. While WWI soldiers left for Europe looking for adventure, they returned as “The Lost Generation” damaged not only physically, but emotionally as well. We did not know what to do with shell shocked victims, so they were left to figure out things on their own. The reconstructive surgeries of the day could not meet the needs of those injured and disfigured so badly. They were, however, treated as heroes when they returned home.

WWII troops left to fight with the attitude “we have a job to do, so let’s do it.” Fresh from the Great Depression, these soldiers were hardened by adversity. Yet, that did not prepare them for the immense killing power of modern weaponry and changes in the army, navy and air power. Opening up concentration camps and seeing the devastation of the war of attrition on the civilians was horrifying. Like their fathers who fought in WWI, these men struggled with what they had seen and kept the grim truth to themselves. Society did not understand how broken these men were. Despite our inability to help them, they too, were welcomed home with parades.

For the first time in history, Americans returning from the Vietnam War were not given a hero’s homecoming. They were spat upon and shunned by their fellow Americans. Most were not prepared for what they faced upon their return. People did not understand how war could damage soldiers. Congress did not provide the financial help these men deserved for many years.

I have had students who fought in the Gulf War, Iraq, or Afghanistan. It was hard to see them leave to go to war. Some of the best minds I had went, and some did not return. Their problems are so difficult when they return. Communities have supported the National Guards in their towns as they left, while they were away and when they returned. Finally, America has taken the blame and shame away from those who fight for us. They deserve our respect and assistance for whatever they need to survive in society. Let’s make sure we treat them right this time.