Vietnam Combat Lessons Apply Today, Mullen Says
1 June 2010 WASHINGTON, June 1, 2010 – The military’s top officer yesterday called on Vietnam veterans to stay connected with today’s servicemembers, saying their lessons learned, especially with post-traumatic stress disorder, can help veterans of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, made the comments as he led a Memorial Day observance at the Vietnam War Memorial here just before six names of fallen Vietnam veterans were added to the iconic, black marble wall.
“The Vietnam conflict was a life-defining experience for every American who lived during that era, and it continues to impact us all: the pain, the conflict, the healing,” Mullen said, noting that Vietnam was his first war experience. “The lessons we learned in Vietnam were bought at a very great price. Acting on them is the best tribute we can pay to honor those who died.”
Mullen noted that he and his wife, Deborah, came to The Wall after touring Arlington National Cemetery’s Section 60 where many Vietnam veterans are buried near those fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan. “As we come to this very hallowed ground, in ways it is like coming home,” he said. “I, too, have friends on The Wall. I have classmates on The Wall.” Continued
Should have listened to many of us before this all began, not like we weren't there and silent, and I'm not talking about combat issues. A destructive decade that could have been avoided and not raised the hatreds towards us and our country!
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