Negativity towards Vietnam Soldiers..
America has always supported its armed forces and has shown respect for those in uniform. In 1919, at the end of World War I, the Doughboys returned home from Europe to ticker-tape victory parades, marching bands, speeches, and the good will of all Americans. Additionally, when the soldiers returned home from World War II and the Korean War, they were treated as heroes. American flags that decorated streets and homes could be seen waving in the air. The reveling continued non-stop for weeks; it seemed as though the nation and its citizens could not do enough for the returning service men and women. A grateful nation was anxious to show its admiration and support to the returning soldiers.
Unfortunately, this was not the case when the soldiers returned home from Vietnam. As a result of America's loss in Vietnam, there was a misunderstanding that the men who fought there did not measure up to those in World War II and Korea. "Nothing could be further from the truth," said General Frederick C. Weyand, United States Army. During the course of General Weyand's military career, he served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. While in Vietnam, General Weyand commanded the Twenty-fifth Infantry Division, the division portrayed in the film Platoon. General Weyand estimates that during his tours, he visited soldiers in the field more than one thousand times. And, despite the negative and hostile attitude of the news media -- not only towards the war but also towards the soldiers -- the morale and spirits of the soldiers remained high.
Unfortunately, this was not the case when the soldiers returned home from Vietnam. As a result of America's loss in Vietnam, there was a misunderstanding that the men who fought there did not measure up to those in World War II and Korea. "Nothing could be further from the truth," said General Frederick C. Weyand, United States Army. During the course of General Weyand's military career, he served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. While in Vietnam, General Weyand commanded the Twenty-fifth Infantry Division, the division portrayed in the film Platoon. General Weyand estimates that during his tours, he visited soldiers in the field more than one thousand times. And, despite the negative and hostile attitude of the news media -- not only towards the war but also towards the soldiers -- the morale and spirits of the soldiers remained high.