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1 - Reconciliation, 1981–1994

from Part I - Return

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 October 2021

Mia Martin Hobbs
Mia Martin Hobbs
Affiliation:
University of Melbourne
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Summary

Chapter 1 examines the first era of veterans’ return journeys. Between 1981 and 1994, a trickle of Australian and American Vietnam veterans returned to Việt Nam on journeys of reconciliation. As Western war commemorations and popular culture representations allowed veterans to reflect on their wartime experiences, some returned to Việt Nam to address lingering questions they had about the people, the country, and the war. Others returned in reaction to contemporary political issues, while major economic changes within Việt Nam acted as a cue for veterans who had long dreamed of returning. For some veterans, returning marked a turning point that challenged them to atone for the war, while others found new opportunities and relationships. These first returnees discovered a place that had seemingly moved on from war, which brought them a measure of peace. Many became advocates for formal reconciliation with and restitution for the Vietnamese.

Keywords

reconciliationnostalgiaveteransreturnUnited StatesAustraliaViệt Namatonementhealing-through-helpingadvocacy
Type
Chapter
Information
Return to Vietnam
An Oral History of American and Australian Veterans' Journeys
 , pp. 27 - 49
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2021

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