Week 16: Memory and Vietnam Veterans -- Jayden Szeto

As many of you might know, we recently had a Veteran named Bill Green who gave a presentation about his time in Vietnam. We learned a lot during his presentation—where he stayed the longest, who his NFGs (new freaking guys) and old comrades were, what he liked/disliked about Vietnam, etc. Vietnam Veterans often carry with them a large array of memories that they do not forget with time. These memories—often made in times of combat, during the loss of a comrade, and the constant fight for survival—often unexpectedly pop up again in flashbacks or episodes, affecting their everyday lives with a past that cannot be forgotten.

These memories are generally encapsulated by the term PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and this is a condition that is common among many veterans. It could be nightmares, sudden flashbacks, severe anxiety, or even just constant thoughts about the war. For many veterans, the past is not just some distant memory, but more of a vivid and unforgettable reality. For Bill Green, he says that to help his PTSD, he talks about his service in Vietnam to high school students, which I think is a great thing. 

Source

The first thing that Bill Green said during the presentation was what to say to a veteran if we ever saw one. “Welcome home.” This was because upon returning home, many Vietnam veterans stepped right back into another battle—a societal dislike marked by lack of understanding and controversy. The not-so-positive welcome and the time served in the war added even more psychological stress to the tired men and women. Over time, however, the gradual establishment of memorials and places of remembrance, as well as the gradual shift in public perception, has led to many to finally acknowledge their sacrifices and heroism. 

Nowadays, there have been many new ways to address these traumas. Techniques such as CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy) have been used to help with disturbing thoughts, while newer approaches such as EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) help to unassociate certain objects or things with those traumatic experiences. Additionally, many find group therapy sessions extremely helpful, where a group of veterans can express their feelings and share their stories, getting rid of the loneliness or feelings of being different.

In honoring and acknowledging these memories and the people who served, we recognize their strength and their lasting impact in history, which is basically what Bill Green is trying to do.


Comments

  1. Siri VenkatagiriMay 20, 2024 at 8:16 PM

    Hi Jayden!
    Having the opportunity to hear Veteran Green speak on his experiences regarding his time serving in Vietnam was truly eye-opening and heartbreaking simultaneously. The moment at which he advised the crowd to tell the veterans in our lives "Welcome home," I almost teared up. Although I never liked the idea of war and always prayed and wished well for our soldiers, I never took the time to learn about the harsh realities that they truly face, or even to help and donate in any way. However, it is inspiring to see how Veteran Green was able to channel his experiences into something positive by speaking to high school students, helping both himself and educating the younger generation. He once stated in his presentation that it was therapeutic for him to explain his past experiences with the younger generation, which was incredibly astounding to me. Your discussion on modern therapeutic techniques such as CBT and EMDR highlights the advancements made in the field of psychology in addressing PTSD, which offers hope and support for many struggling with such sorrowful and tragic memories, even though that is the barest minimum a veteran should be gaining from the sacrifices they have made for the cause of war. Overall, your blog serves as an virtuous way to honor Veteran Green and all of the veterans who have made multiple sacrifices to serve our country.

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