The communist attack of at least 100 cities, the Tet Offensive ,broke out on the Tet's Eve(Lunar New Year) - in the early morning of January 30, 1968 at many cities of Central Vietnam, such as Da Nang and Qui Nhon (Pictured above), as well as cities in the central coastal and highland areas. Other cities to the south that included Saigon, were attacked 24 hours later at the small hours of January 31. Thus the offensive lost its element of total surprise and was a military disaster for the Communists: they lost over 10,000 men and did not manage to hold any of their objectives. Nevertheless the Tet Offensive created a crisis within the Johnson administration, which became increasingly unable to convince the American public that it had been a major defeat for the communists. American losses were said to exceed 500.
Most Americans know someone who served during this dramatic and difficult war. Many of us remember the evening news bringing the horror of battle into our homes; Americans were exposed to the plight of the ‘boy next door’ on a daily basis. For many, concern for these brave young men and women translated into respect and gratitude for them. For others, the American Soldier became a symbol of oppression and someone to blame for any and every disagreement they had with our government.
Some say the wounds of Viet Nam will never heal and when some ultraliberal names are mentioned, even after 40 years, the hair still stands up on the necks of most veterans. I personally like to remember those who served. When I noticed today was 31 January, I immediately remembered the CBS Evening News showing the fighting in Saigon and the full face camera shot of my best friend, an MP, firing at VC from the roof of the of the MP HQ, no helmet, just a flack jacket, a M-16 and a desire to stay alive in an awesome firefight. He did. He will probably read this and say, “No big deal, I just did what I was asked to do!”
On this day I want him and all veterans to know that they are all heroes, that I still appreciate their tireless sacrifices and that those who did not return are remembered.
Most Americans know someone who served during this dramatic and difficult war. Many of us remember the evening news bringing the horror of battle into our homes; Americans were exposed to the plight of the ‘boy next door’ on a daily basis. For many, concern for these brave young men and women translated into respect and gratitude for them. For others, the American Soldier became a symbol of oppression and someone to blame for any and every disagreement they had with our government.
Some say the wounds of Viet Nam will never heal and when some ultraliberal names are mentioned, even after 40 years, the hair still stands up on the necks of most veterans. I personally like to remember those who served. When I noticed today was 31 January, I immediately remembered the CBS Evening News showing the fighting in Saigon and the full face camera shot of my best friend, an MP, firing at VC from the roof of the of the MP HQ, no helmet, just a flack jacket, a M-16 and a desire to stay alive in an awesome firefight. He did. He will probably read this and say, “No big deal, I just did what I was asked to do!”
On this day I want him and all veterans to know that they are all heroes, that I still appreciate their tireless sacrifices and that those who did not return are remembered.
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