This series should be required viewing

On Monday, I watched a 90-minute documentary about Vietnam veterans in preparation for a story I'm working on for our upcoming Veteran's Day special section.

The documentary, "Vietnam - Remembered," is one of seven in the "Lest They Be Forgotten" video series by filmmaker Larry Cappetto. For the past several years Cappetto has traveled the country interviewing veterans about their experiences in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

One of those interviews took place right here in Gaffney. The story I'm working on is about the subject of that interview and will be published in our special section in the Monday, Nov. 12, edition of The Gaffney Ledger.

Cappetto recently received the 'George Washington Honor medal" from the Freedom's Foundation for his documentaries. "The film documentaries exemplify the essence of the national awards by promoting an understanding and appreciation for our country's rich heritage and unique freedoms," said the foundation's president, Aaron Siegel.

"'Lest they Be Forgotten' is my tribute, thank you, and labor of love towards those men and women who have served our country faithfully," Cappetto said. "Our young people need to know FIRST HAND the sacrifices that have gone before them to help secure the freedoms we all enjoy."

As I watched "Vietnam - Remembered," the intense love of country and pride in serving it was obvious in all of those interviewed.

The horrors of what many of them witnessed and experienced brought tears to my eyes more than once as I sat mesmerized, listening to their stories.

The Vietnam conflict (it was never an official war) was at its height when I graduated from high school in 1969. Most, if not all, males during that period of time fully expected to be drafted and sent to fight. I know a lot of people who were.

I wasn't. I went to college and was exempted from the draft and later had a high draft lottery number and never was called. In the later stages of the "conflict" males of draft age were assigned numbers and drafted according to that number.

It was a nervous time for all, especially as the lottery number rose higher and higher. While I'm grateful I was never drafted and did not have to go to Vietnam, I've always felt a bit guilty. Watching Cappetto's documentary Monday night only enhanced that feeling.

Perhaps, because I did not serve, I've always held those who did in high regard. Perhaps that's why I get cold chills when the American flag is presented at ball games or the National Anthem is sung. Or maybe I have those feelings because when I was growing up, children were taught in school and at home to cherish their freedom and honor those who fought to preserve them.

Many of those interviewed for the documentary spoke of the treatment they received upon returning home from Vietnam. They were spat upon and called "baby killers." They were told not to wear their uniforms for fear of reprisal from peace activists. Students at college campuses across the nation - including the University of South Carolina where I was enrolled - demonstrated against soldiers and our presence in Vietnam.

While I did not participate in those demonstrations, I did not speak up in support our troops. The reasons for our involvement in Vietnam - or in any other war - will be debated and argued ad infinitum. The servicemen I watched being interviewed, though, had no doubt why they were there.

They were serving their country. No questions asked. And they are proud for having done so with honor.

Many of them faulted the politicians for the outcome in Vietnam. "We went there to stop the domino effect of communism spreading from one country to another and the politicians would not let us win. If they had stayed out of it, we would have kicked their (North Vietnam's) butt."

But the point of Cappetto's series of documentaries is not to argue the merits of Vietnam or any other war. It's purpose is to honor veterans of the U.S. military and to tell their stories.

The "Lest They Be Forgotten" series should be REQUIRED viewing for every high school student in the United States, or better yet, every citizen. To order the series, visit www.veteranshistory.org.

Veteran's Day is this Monday.

Freedom is not free. A price has to be paid. Our veterans have paid theirs. Thank them for it.

Cody Sossamon (cody@gaffneyledger.com) is publisher of The Gaffney Ledger.