I recently watched Jacob's Ladder and Full Metal Jacket, two horrifying yet incredibly powerful movies depicting the Vietnam War. Before viewing these films, I hadn't truly understood the pain, the fear, the utter terror that soldiers faced during the war. Although only films, both Jacob's Ladder and Full Metal Jacket allow viewers to get a glimpse into the horrendous experiences real-life soldiers endured in Vietnam. Sadly, now I have a better understanding as to why over 150,000 Vietnam veterans have committed suicide since the end of the war. To this day, many veterans struggle to make normal lives for themselves, with over 50,000 remaining homeless. We need to make a strong effort as a society to decrease that number.
Fortunately, $4 billion has been put into an initiative to end Veteran homelessness by the Obama administration. In the past 4 years, about 51,000 veterans have gained access to housing. However, approximately 50,000 remain homeless, and lowering this homeless rate may not be very simple. Many veterans often choose to live homeless lifestyles, desiring to stay as far away from people as possible. We all need to make a great attempt to change their outlooks on homes in order to provide them with the lifestyles they truly deserve. Veterans desperately need therapy and care before they will be completely willing to gain new housing. They have witnessed too many atrocities throughout their lives to still be suffering without proper care and housing. No one should prefer to live without a home.
After reading your post, I realize that I don't know much about the Vietnam War. Of course, I know what we have learned in school over the years, but there is more to it. Even though the fighting happened a while ago, parts of it are going on today. I agree that there is more to making better lives for the veterans than just giving them a house. They have been through so much from the war all the way until now, so it is true that just giving them a place to live won't fix it.
ReplyDeleteJulie -
ReplyDeleteI had no idea how many Vietnam veterans were still struggling with homelessness. The statistics are astonishing. Like you and Ana, I agree that simply handing them the keys to a house is not enough, that they need lifestyles, as you put it. I'm so glad that the Obama administration has been able to begin this process, and hopefully they can continue it for many years to come.