Huntsville, ala. (Whnt) – Healing is in all forms, at all different moments. For some Vietnam veterans, 50 years old is not long enough to heal completely what they have experienced.
The Vietnam War is one of the most controversial conflicts in American history, and the pain it caused is still raw 50 years after its end. While time helps to cure wounds, this war still haunts many of those who served there.
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“It took me almost 50 years to cross some of my trauma,” said Allen Farley, a veteran from Vietnam Marine Corp. “You stand next to someone and they are killed and you are still there, you know. For what?
“I went all this time without even knowing that I had an SSPT or think that I had an SSPT,” said Wayne Harlan, a veteran from the Navy Vietnam. “Then, all of a sudden, I can't sleep at night. I have nightmares.”
In an effort to win healing and peace, several veterans went to Vietnam for the 50th anniversary to visit sites where they fought. For others, the simple thought of going back is deeply disturbing.
“The work was that you get up, you get attached, find something to kill every day,” said Vietnam veteran John Chancellor. “And I don't need to go back there.”
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“Seeing these veterans return to Vietnam, I don't think I could never do this,” said Farley. I have lost too many people there.
But recalling their feedback is not pleasant either.
“And then you will change our uniform to civilian clothes so you don't get spitting,” said Harlan.
“I had my uniform,” said Farley. “This guy came behind me, struck me in the kidneys, then ran.”
Despite the big losses, the important sacrifices and the disturbing memories, the three veterans said they would start again. They noted their honor and pride to serve a country that they like so deep.
“My job was to take care of guys on the ground,” said the Chancellor. “Anyway. And it doesn't matter who they were. They were American.”
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