The Alienation of Vietnam Veterans: A Country Divided

When Vietnam veterans returned home from the war, they didn’t receive the warm welcome they deserved. Instead of being praised for their service, many were met with anger, rejection, and even blame. This was not because of what they had done, but because of the war itself. The Vietnam War was highly controversial and deeply divided the American public. Veterans found themselves caught in the middle of this debate, feeling like outsiders in their own country.

Unlike soldiers from other wars, Vietnam veterans came back to a country that didn’t want to acknowledge their sacrifice. The war was unpopular, and many people viewed the soldiers who fought in it as part of the problem. These veterans had no control over the war, they didn’t decide to go, and they certainly didn’t start it. Yet, they were blamed for it. They were called names, spit on, or told that they were responsible for the deaths and destruction caused by the war.

For many Vietnam veterans, returning home was a difficult and painful experience. They had been through intense battles, survived harsh conditions, and witnessed unimaginable horrors. But instead of finding peace and recognition when they came back, they found a society that didn’t understand them. In fact, many felt rejected and misunderstood. They had fought for their country, but now it felt like their own country was turning its back on them.

The emotional impact of this rejection was profound. Many veterans struggled with feelings of alienation and loneliness. They returned home to families and friends who couldn’t relate to what they had been through. The war had changed them, and the country’s cold reception only deepened their sense of loss. This sense of alienation made it even harder for them to reintegrate into civilian life. They had fought for a cause they believed in, but now they felt disconnected from the people they had protected.

One veteran who understands these struggles is Honor B. Cole. In his book, My Floating Coffin: Mekong Delta, Vietnam, Cole shares his personal journey and the battles he fought, both on the battlefield and after his return home. From his early days aboard the USS St. Clair County to his time on the USS Stone County, Cole gives readers a glimpse into the life of a Navy sailor during the Vietnam War. He takes us on a journey through the Mekong Delta, where he spent a year-long duty that tested his courage and emotional strength.

Cole’s story is a recounting of battles and operations. It’s about the bonds he formed with fellow sailors, the emotional toll of combat, and how the war shaped his life both during and after his service. His book helps us understand the deep struggles many Vietnam veterans faced in their fight to find peace and recognition once they came home.

My Floating Coffin: Mekong Delta, Vietnam is coming out soon. You’ll not only learn about the hardships of war, but also about the importance of sharing these stories. It’s a powerful reminder of how much veterans sacrificed, and how much they still have to offer today. Honor B. Cole’s story is just one of many, but it gives us a full picture of the life of a Vietnam veteran.
Contact: honorcole@sbcglobal.net