During this unit we learned about a war in Vietnam, protests in the streets, and difficult political decisions.  We studied about famous people, like Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Ho Chi Minh.  We grew to more fully realize the painful sacrifice made by  millions of men and women.  We felt grief, sadness, and pain.  We learned a lot about a small country in Southeast Asia, its people and its culture.  We also learned about the statistics of the war, those numbers that flow so fleetingly off historians’ tongues.

Actually, although all of those things are important, they are not what this unit was all about.  Those fleeting statistics, you see, are people.  They are our family, neighbors, teachers, plumbers, farmers, and friends.  They are our veterans.

Among the 58,220 men and women who died in Vietnam was Bill Anderson.  Bill was a friendly, athletic, and musically inclined young man with a bright future.  Bill liked my sister in high school, but things just didn’t work out for them.  Bill’s future proved fleeting when he was killed in Vietnam, November 10, 1967 at the age of 19.

Among the 58,220 men and women who died in Vietnam was Dave Bartlett.  Dave  was an outgoing and popular guy in high school, yet often a loner.  With his popularity and quick mind, Dave surely had a successful life in front of him.  Sadly, after being in Vietnam for 9 months, Dave Bartlett was killed on October 26, 1967 at the age of 19.

Among the 58,220 men and women who died in Vietnam was Ron Griffin.  Ron Griffin was a rough guy to those who didn’t know him well, but to his brother Dan and others he was a kind and loving man.  On June 29, 1968, at the age of 19, Ron Griffin was killed in Vietnam.  Filled with anguish, his brother Dan volunteered to go to Vietnam, but fortunately came back safely.

Among the over 300,000 men and women who were wounded in Vietnam was Jim Bowes.  Jim is my brother.  Our family was really scared for Jim when he was sent to Vietnam, and we sent him lots of letters of love and support.  Nightly prayers for Jim and those who perished in Vietnam became a staple activity in our home.  Our prayers were answered when Jim returned home safely.  He was wounded and nearly lost his thumb, but he was otherwise okay.  Jim stays active in veterans’ affairs and was recently an American Legion Post Commander.  Jim has led a successful life and today he has two wonderful children in high school.

No, this unit wasn’t about war facts, statistics, politics, or famous people.  It was about caring.  Learning to care, and then caring enough to learn about the men and women who sacrificed so much for us.

Pat Bowes