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Reenactors Take on Vietnam War

Despite controversy, re-created conflict gets warm reception

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 18, 2009 9:49 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Revolutionary and Civil War reenactments are a familiar sight—but now, one of the most controversial wars in US history is in reruns, the AP reports. Houston, Mississippi, and Pennsylvania have all hosted Vietnam war reenactments. “We do it to honor these guys and to tell them, 'You weren't forgotten,' to tell them it wasn't always negative,” says one involved.

At first, a lead organizer was worried about the reaction from veterans. But “what they're doing here is absolutely great," says one who fought in Vietnam as a sergeant. "I think for a long time with Vietnam, we tried to push that out of our history, that it didn't happen, so I think this is a good thing."

On Saturday, July 25, 2009, Tom Gray yells to his fellow soldiers as he portrays American combat troops in country in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War in Boalsburg, Pa.
On Saturday, July 25, 2009, Tom Gray yells to his fellow soldiers as he portrays American combat troops "in country" in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War in Boalsburg, Pa.   (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
In this Saturday, July 25, 2009, photo, Vietnam War Veteran Wilber Smith from Mount Union, Pa., look son as living historians portray American combat troops.
In this Saturday, July 25, 2009, photo, Vietnam War Veteran Wilber Smith from Mount Union, Pa., look son as living historians portray American combat troops.   (AP)
On Saturday, July 25, 2009 a living historian portrays an member of the American combat troops in country in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War on the grounds of the Pa. Military Museum.
On Saturday, July 25, 2009 a living historian portrays an member of the American combat troops "in country" in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War on the grounds of the Pa. Military Museum.   (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
On Saturday, July 25, 2009, a living historian fires blanks as he portrays American combat troops in country during the Vietnam War on the grounds of the Pennsylvania Military Museum.
On Saturday, July 25, 2009, a living historian fires blanks as he portrays American combat troops "in country" during the Vietnam War on the grounds of the Pennsylvania Military Museum.   (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
freethemall
Aug 19, 2009 2:33 AM CDT
You got that right, Retribution, I'm just a senile old geezer. What's your excuse?
freethemall
Aug 18, 2009 7:50 AM CDT
A case in point.
freethemall
Aug 18, 2009 6:57 AM CDT
I agree with the late great George Carlin on the subject of war re-enactments. The participants ought to be given live ammunition, and thus increase the intelligence of the gene pool.
US

 
veterans • Vietnam veteran • reenactment • Vietnam War • strange stuff

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