The Vietnam war lasted from 1955 until 1975 encompassing twenty years. America left Vietnam without a sense of peace or closure. What we left was death and destruction and the loss of thousands of innocent American lives that didn’t know what they were fighting for. People refer to the Vietnam war as the “war that was never won”. This is because we had no business being in Vietnam. The amount of Americans who lost their lives was not worth the outcome of the war. Not only did these soldiers lose their lives in battle, but all of the veterans who were stationed in Vietnam are still facing repercussions of the war. Agent Orange is an herbicide America used to eliminate Vietnam’s forest cover and kill their crops they used for food. Many years later, Agent Orange has been found to be associated with certain cancers and other diseases. Even after 40 years these men are still living in fear. Fast forward to March 2003. The Iraq war “officially” lasted three months as our President declared victory. Today, thirteen years later, civil war persists within the region. Terrorist groups have sprung up requiring us to continue fighting the of war instead of relishing in peace and tranquility. To this day not only is America under ISIS’s attack, but also many of Syria’s and Iraq’s neighboring countries and many European countries. One may ask, why even fight war in the first place?
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This was really insightful into our unit and the drive behind war. I also examined this concept in my last war is statement.The motivations behind war have certainly changed from fighting for freedom to very questionable reasoning. I examined the Vietnam Veterans memorial as well, looking at the integrity of the men who served and hoping that it was not compromised simply because of the war it'self. The brutality of war is extreme and I really liked how you also focused on how it was still impacting soldiers today with agent orange. Your examination of the war in Iraq was very powerful as well I think that is one of the aims for this unit, to apply the what we have learned to our current situation. The question at the end of your writing was very powerful! Great job!
ReplyDeleteNice job Jeremy. I agree with your argument that in most cases war is unnecessary. I say most cases because I dont think that we should just sit around and not do anything if another country is trying to overpower us. Anyways, I think your insight on the repercussions of war is very important. Too many are affected by war. With that being said, some people are starting to realize the horrid of war and are starting to take stand. I think this is something that could've made your paper even more powerful than it already is. I think you did an awesome job, war is seen as a way to make peace, but how is coming home with thousands of deaths and more affected a victory in any case?
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