Wondering if any of the vets here have made a trip back to Viet Nam. If so where and what are your thoughts about going back for a visit?
Thanks

Just in my nightmares.

I have talked to some vets who have either gone back or considered it, but it's not for me. There is too much to see here in this country.

I've been asked several times. And, my answer is that I have lost nothing over there. I have too much animosity towards the people of North Vietnam. Civilians, NVA or local VC in the south. I'm afraid that the first time one tried to bogard me, my response might get me thrown in jail.

I'd tell you what I'd like to do...but, hopefully this is gentle company.

I have too many names on the wall to ever shake hands and make nice.

I have many friends on that wall also and I also would never give the government there a dime of my money. In time i would suppose my feeling of dislike toward them will cool. I dont harbor any hate towards them, but I cant see myself ever on a tourist visit either. george

I would be curious to know just how many pows would like to go there. It is strange for me to see americans, that FOUGHT in that war, under inhumane conditions, even conteplating a return, except with an atom bomb attached to them.

If my neighbor harmed my family, I just do not think I could ever forgive and forget. Could you?

I have a hard time with the VN docs....most docs now were kids then...but......I won't go there....No sir, my luck I would trip an old booby trap and end up being a NSC double amputee. Try to explain that ... No backing up.

I did my tours in country, no desires to go back.

It's good to see that I'm not alone in my feelings.

Not too long ago, I was muddling around on military.com and just happened to find an area for one of my old units in Vietnam. I joined and there really was not that much action there. The unit was not a popular one in Vietnam...and, I expected to see few entries.

The first entry in the forum was a request from a distant family member asking for information about a guy by the name of Knighton. I sent the guy email and gave him my email address.

They gentleman had grown up with a bad case of hero worship and as his family had never really been told how he died, he was trying to find out and bring closure, I guess.

We exchanged email and I told him that I was there the day Knighton died...and told him how it happened. We both went away feeling just a little bit better.

Nearly 40 years later...people are still asking about their family members.

I sometimes wonder what-it-would-be-like to return and experience VN at a time other than war... but, I dont think I could go back.
And, we dont have the $$ to do so.
Push come to shove, I wouldnt.
jm2c

I would never go back and i have NO use for them at all ....Our dumb government has ask me three times if i would go with a group of vets...and there is no way in .... glad to see that i'm not alone...jim

I'd have very mixed emotions about it. It was and still is a beautiful country. I'd like to wander through the A Shau without worrying about "injuns". That said, I also have too many names one the wall and too much spilled blood and bitterness about the whole affair. And that's before I contemplate the government and it's people. Nah, better for this ole boy to keep the traumatic memories in the dark recesses of my mind. DO have a friend been back several times for his work, goes to therapy every time he returns. That's some job I'd have to pass on.
And just think of what our sons and daughters will say when some on asks about Iraq or Afghanistan. Cycle never ends.

quote:

And just think of what our sons and daughters will say when some on asks about Iraq or Afghanistan. Cycle never ends.

Isn't it about time we ended the cycle ?
I read about all of the bitterness and hatred aimed at civilizations that WE invaded....where is the hatred and bitterness that should be aimed at the morons/liars who put us in harms way ? I too shed tears when I think of those who were not as lucky as us... who can now armchair quarterback this current conflict. But from one who spent 2 tours in Viet Nam, I'd like anyone to point out anything positive that came out of that conflict....'cause I must have missed it. Are we any better off, are the Vietnamese any better off ? In years to come, history will prove the Iraq conflict to be just as big a folly as was "our war".
Back to the question and a previous answer...I too think there are far nicer places to visit.

Regards
Gemstone

I sincerely agree with you. However, most say it is Bush's war.

Too bad the american people do not know a president cant do s+__t without congress approval. THERE IS THE PROBLEM.

My Dad passed away Dec 22,2004. He was in the Navy(minesweeper and destroyer) during WWII. To his dying day he cursed Japan and anything connected to the country.
No, I'll not consider a visit to SouthEast Asia again.

....my job wasn't always pleasant....with what I was involved in.... they might be still waiting for me....as I sat waiting for them........I'll pass on that trip.....geofkaye