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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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Reenactors Take on Vietnam War

Despite controversy, re-created conflict gets warm reception

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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
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
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
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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12 comments
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Reader39895947
Aug 18, 09 10:11 AM CDT
Stupidist shit i've ever heard. Re-inacting the war that made the world safe for WALMART! Too many good men died for bullshit. That's what has to be remembered. The rest is delusional. Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
BeatBlaster
Aug 18, 09 11:48 AM CDT
it's NOT stupid. The people who were sent their to fight and to die deserve to be remembered and those that wish to join in remembering their efforts are free to choose how they wish to remember them. If you don't like it STFU.
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+4
SalParadise
Aug 18, 09 10:18 AM CDT
Maybe we'll actually be able to win this time. Reply
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-3
lumina
Aug 18, 09 10:19 AM CDT
Everytime I visit the Vietnam Memorial in Washington I shed tears for the over 56,00 soldiers who died in this conflict. I lost two cousins in this conflict & I weep for them & their families. The jury is, & still will be out for years on the worth of this whole thing. I am not sure if reenacting this is the way to go about remembering it. Reply
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+6
ClearSight
Aug 18, 09 1:29 PM CDT
Vietnam could have been a victory if it weren't for the politicians meddling in areas where they have no business. Sort of like the automotive bailouts, banking and health care issues .......oh $hit, we are so $crewed.... Reply
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+1

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