
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, July 22, 1995                   TAG: 9507240005
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-7   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: SCOTT BATES
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Long

VIRGINIA'S VIETNAM VETS DESERVE HOME-GROWN RECOGNITION

IT HAS been 20 years since the last U.S. helicopter took off from the rooftop of our Embassy in Vietnam. Although I was only 9 years old at the time, that image and the pictures of sailors pushing helicopters off the flight deck of a U.S. carrier were burned into my memory. While it has been 20 years since the fall of South Vietnam, the bitter and divisive debate over the Vietnam War rages on today.

Earlier this year, former Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara took to the book and television circuit to explain and apologize for his part in the war. Many opponents of the war (doves) were unforgiving toward him and heaped scorn upon his efforts to promote reconciliation and understanding of that time. Now it's proponents of the war (hawks) who are violently opposed to President Clinton's recent extension of diplomatic recognition to Vietnam. For a generation, it appears this war will never end.

But end it must, if not for the sake of peace between two peoples, then definitely for our own peace of mind. The debate on the wisdom of waging the war should take place, but bitterness should be left behind. There's no place left in America for the politics of questioning patriotism, refusing to accept apologies or acts of reconciliation. To continue the bitterness does a disservice to those who fought and died for an America that would be strong and free. They didn't sacrifice to see us torn apart over the events of a quarter century ago.

Instead, our focus should be on those Americans and, in particular, those Virginians who answered the call during the Vietnam era. The bitter debate raging over McNamara and the recent recognition of Vietnam only proves too clearly that in many minds the war never came to an end. Most of us would also acknowledge that our Vietnam veterans never received the proper homecoming that would recognize our debt to them and begin to turn the page of that unresolved chapter of history.

We have an excellent chance in Virginia to recognize our Vietnam veterans, bind the wounds of a generation and move forward together for the kind of America both sides yearned for - a nation proud, free and united. Gov. George Allen, Lt. Gov. Don Beyer and Attorney General Jim Gilmore are in the baby-boomer age group that was most greatly affected by Vietnam. No doubt they have vivid memories of how the war changed their world and affected their friends and family. What an honor it would be for our Vietnam veterans if these three Virginia leaders joined together in a bipartisan effort to properly honor Virginians who served in Vietnam.

The Big Three could approach business and community leaders across Virginia to join in the cause of honoring our Vietnam veterans. They could get seed money from business leaders, and then take donations from the public to set up a fund for the Virginia-Vietnam Vet Project. No government money would be necessary if we all pitched in the cost of a Diet Coke to say thank-you to our fellow citizens.

Others may develop better ideas, but here are a few for starters: A living museum could be developed that would tell personal stories of Virginians who fought in Vietnam. Videotapes and diaries from soldiers and their families should be preserved and shared with future generations, so that their sacrifice wasn't in vain. An educational center, with views from all sides of the conflict, could provide information to schoolchildren and scholars. Programs with veterans who are willing to share their stories could be of great value to all involved.

A monument with names of all Virginians who served in Vietnam, placed in a place of prominence, would serve as a lasting reminder and recognition of the veterans. While the monument in Washington is very appropriate, the Virginia monument could commemorate the living as well as those who died in the struggle.

As a token of appreciation for the veterans and their families, Virginia could provide a $10,000 U.S. savings bond to each veteran who served in Vietnam. While there's no way money can repay their service, such a bonus is a way we can express appreciation. In addition, tuition to Virginia's community colleges and universities should be free for those Vietnam veterans wishing to return for courses or job training. Tuition should be reduced for their children or, for those who have grown children, for their grandchildren. Wouldn't it be great for all concerned if a Vietnam veteran was in a college history classroom? Opening these educational opportunities for veterans, their families and all Virginians would be a constructive step in understanding the war and acknowledging our debt to those who served.

Finally, July 4, 1996, should be set aside in Virginia as a day of tribute to Virginia's Vietnam veterans. Every town and city that has a parade, fireworks display, picnic or other activity should place focus on honoring Virginia's Vietnam veterans.

These are just a few ideas, and I know they don't go anywhere near paying the debt we owe our men and women who served in the Vietnam era. But it's a start, and a way for all of us to honor those who served and help to fulfill part of their mission: to leave an America that's stronger and more united than it was the day before. Our victory will be in finding the common ground to honor the everyday heroes - Virginia's Vietnam veterans.

Scott Bates was secretary of the commonwealth during the Wilder administration.

by CNB