It’s the response of people such as John Bean (Jan. 27) that created many of the issues affecting Vietnam veterans.

Because Vietnam was an unpopular conflict, and an unofficial war, no one wanted to hear about what the soldiers went through – physically or mentally. Instead, a lot of returning military personnel were spit upon, called baby killers or worse. There was no outlet for their emotions. Many of them became “walking time bombs.” They had all of these pent up internal conflicts, and no way to release them.

War is hell, but it does help to talk about it – to try and make sense of it. Our men and women fought bravely. Many died, and many returned maimed. To act as if it never happened, or to try to forget about it, is definitely a disservice to all.

We should honor them by remembering, by acknowledging what they lost, by sympathizing with their recurring nightmares, by just being there for them. Give them a caring ear – listen to what they have to say. They have been silenced for too long.

Did I serve in Vietnam? No, but my husband did, and he still suffers from the aftereffects. He fulfilled his duties, served his country in time of need, and should not feel ashamed to have done so.

Bringing the Vietnam Wall to Lewiston will help heal wounds – not open them.

Jacqueline P. Smith, Lewiston

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