Kate Howard & Lily Kazemi
News Editors
“No event in history is more misunderstood than the Vietnam War.” This infamous quote by former President Richard Nixon opened the Vietnam Symposium on Nov. 9, held in the Wagner room for AP United States History and American Studies students. The assembly, organized by History Department Chair Richard Webb, involved a panel of Vietnam veterans, each there to share their story.
Mr. Webb began with a Powerpoint presentation to present viewers with background knowledge of Vietnam in order to garner a better understanding of the subject. This presentation included news clips from the time period, as well as recordings of presidential speeches regarding the war. The assembly was then closed out by junior Christy Coco’s rendition of These Boots are Made for Walking, followed by senior Nick Depuy’s performance of The Letter.
The four panelists, Peter Langenus, Richard Maynes, Edward McSorley and First Selectman Jeb Walker, described the hardships they experienced throughout the war. “When you are on an ambush, everything is spread out,” Mr. McSorley said. “On a moonless night, I used to put my hands in front of my face and not be able to see them.”
According to Mr. Langenus, the Vietnam War never truly had a clear mission. “There was no clear message, [but]we fought for each other,” he said. “What will define you is not where you come from, or how much money your parents have. What will define you is the fire that burns inside of you and the determination to do good.”
After listening to the personal accounts of the veterans, junior Brooke Decker said she learned that the perception of the war is different than the reality of it. “Well I found it interesting how they proved many of the well known rumors about the Vietnam War to be false, especially the ones that depicted many of the American soldiers to be drug addicts,” she said.
Junior Matt Windas agreed with Brooke, adding how he became aware of the misconception relating to the war’s success. “Especially the part where the United States absolutely dominated the war militarily, most people don’t know that,” he said.
“What stuck out to me the most was how their senses became heightened and more acute while they were fighting in Vietnam,” junior Sara Greene commented. “The veterans were not only engaging with the enemy, but the terrain of that part of the country. It was interesting to hear that while they were in the field, for 35 days at a time, most did not shave and weren’t allowed to wear rain ponchos. They had to tough it out.”
Because of the assembly featured a panel discussion from the veterans, junior Harrison Besser said the assembly was both informative and unique. “The Vietnam Assembly was incredibly interesting for the new perspective that it brought me,” he said. “I had no idea the gravity of the events that transpired and the level that it affected the veterans. The panel was so connected to what they were doing, and you could tell that they were deeply moved by our attendance.”
In light of Veterans Day, junior Julie Spindell stated that it was important to hold the symposium honoring the Vietnam veterans, especially after thecriticism they received due to the war’s unpopularity. “I think it is important to recognize veterans because they are giving their lives for our country,” she said. “In Vietnam, they didn’t even have all of the country’s support and still fought for the U.S.”
