After reading Achilles in Vietnam and watching Maya Lin, I think we all have a newfound respect for the veterans. Reading and watching the veterans welcome themself home in a parade was heartbreaking. Reading about the soldiers talk about their "bros" was touching and heartbreaking at the same time. The one particular story that stuck out to me was the one about one soldier afraid of getting close to anyone again after his best friend had died. These soldiers come back completely different and nothing can change that.
I admire Maya Lin for her ability to stick up for her original plan, for it was her design that won the contest. She did not let the opinions of others let it change her mind. All it took was for everyone to understand her intentions behind the idea. She did not mean any harm and in no way wanted the memorial to be like a stab in the back, like one veteran saw it as. It is incredible to see someone our age put so much thought into the memorial and have the strength to stick by it. Like she said, any memorial would have evoked controversy and I don't think she could have handled it better any other way. I can see why Mr. P says he falls in love with her everytime he watches the documentary.
The veteran's perspective is an extremely important one. Sure LBJ and McNamara make these decisions but the veterans are the ones suffering and really fighting for their country. Actions speak louder than words - McNamara and LBJ make these decisions, but who are the ones really implementing the plans? Who are the ones fighting?
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