Being a teenager during the Vietnam War was definitely an experience I wouldn't recommend for most teens. Almost every day revolved around the war, whether it was on the news, in school, or just being talked about at home. Yes, those growing up during that time of war were affected in ways most people cannot understand.

I remember every day in current events at school it was about the war in Vietnam. There were many discussions on a daily basis because most of my friends had older brothers that were worried about being drafted. Some of the students wore black arm bands who were against the war. Every day for years school revolved around the war. This can't help but affect a teen in some way or another.

it wasn't mush better when i would go home. Of course Dad always had to watch the nightly news, which of course always included something about the war. Oftentimes they would have clips of fighting and soldiers who were wounded. You couldn't really get away from it, no matter where you went.

I don't really remember having too many oppinions on the war, other than the distaste for those who treated the soldiers badly. You know, the ones that couldn't seperate the war, from those soldiers who were serivng. Like most of them really wanted to go, give me a break!

In the end in my almost quiet silence, I felt a need to serve my country. Perhaps it was because of the compassion i felt for those treated so badly. Not many were joing the military on purpose in the early seventies. They too, had seen too many soldiers being spit on, and wrongly treated. Perhaps my way of thinking was to not blame the military or the soldiers, but to help.

I truly believe being a teenager during the Vietnam war set my feet upon a path I may have not taken without it. Who knows! I only know by joining the military, and meeting my former husband while I was serving, I now have a wondeful son, and adoreable grandson I wouldn't trade for the world.

The next time you meet a Vietnam Veteran, tell them Thank you for serving, with the same respect and compassion you would give to our troops that are serving today. I am proud I am a Vietnam Era Veteran and proud of those who served along with me!

*God Bless every one who has served in the past, or who is now serving our country today!

*To Read All My Wit & Wisdom Go To:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/hannahnow