A familiar scene as I was growing up and even in my high school years. Walter Cronkite giving the daily update of the conflict in Viet Nam. And why not? In 1969 more than 500,000 Americans were stationed there. I knew some of them... I was related to some of them. And the way it looked... there seemed to be no end. I wondered if I would end up there. Or my brothers? The United States pulled out in 1973. By 1975, South Vietnam fell. Over 58,000 members of U.S. armed forces had died or were missing as a result of the war. I never did have to go. I was still in High School... not quite that age of 18 when one was presumed old enough to fight and kill. For some reason though, I have always felt a special sense of gratitude in my heart to those that did serve. It was a tough war... and yes they all are, but Vietnam was different because America was different. The support was not there. And it has been that way for many that served for decades. Tonight, as we approach Christmas 2020, I want to say thank you to those who served in Vietnam and the surrounding area. Your time of service left an indelible mark upon my life. One that has never left me. I will never forget the words of Walter Cronkite that came so regular each day for so many years... #___ died today in Vietnam and #___ were wounded... And his closing words to every broadcast... "And that's the way it is..." have never left me.
Larry B. Reinhold