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Bisram did not tell the full story of the Guyanese-Americans who went to Vietnam
Dear Editor,
I wish to applaud Mr. Vishnu Bisram on his letter concerning the Guyanese American soldiers who served well in Vietnam (Kaieteur News, Saturday, February 7, 2009).
Indeed, Guyanese soldiers fought well and bravely in Vietnam, because as youngsters we were taught loyalty, honesty and dedication. Those traits enabled us to do our duties as soldiers with pride.
What he didn’t mention was about the ostracizing we faced by the American public upon returning home. Because the war was unpopular, we were not welcome home by the American Government who sent us there, or the public who called us murderers and baby killers, and spat in our faces when we told them we were Vietnam veterans. However, we knew what we did, and kept our heads up high.
I would like to suggest to all the veterans who are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and all who should have reached retirement age by now to return to Guyana and help develop our country by volunteering in the school system, talking to young people about responsibility, or get involved in educating our youths about HIV.
The need is so dire at the moment in our local communities, where role models are lacking. Young people today can certainly use the expertise, time, patience and skills of the men and women who fought with dignity for their country and have now retired.
Yes, we have retired from our duties in the army, but not our general and patriotic responsibilities to our countrymen and women — they still stand.
I urge all past servicemen even here in Guyana (those who’ve served in the Guyana Defence Force) to take up the challenge and continue to serve and give. Yes, your work has been a heavy load thus far, but the job is not over yet — not until you have intervened wherever a need arises in our troubled homeland.
There are so many things to do in Guyana that is therapeutic, and giving back to our country of birth, after risking our lives for another country, I think is the right thing to do.
Sydney Tait
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