Opinion

Why Vietnam veterans don't join

Posted July 20, 2019 1:00 am

I would like to comment on your editorial on American Legion membership dwindling. You stated there was a "marked dip in attendance" by Vietnam veterans to replace World War II and Korean vets. You stated it was a generational issue, and it was.

When I came home from Vietnam in 1970, I was turned away by the VFW and American Legion as were many other of my fellow Vietnam veterans. We were called "losers" and told we were not welcome.

This was how the Vietnam Veterans of America was formed in 1978, because this denial was happening all across the country to fellow Vietnam veterans. For this reason, I will never join the VFW or Legion, as we were turned away when we needed them the most. The generational issue was with "the world's greatest generation."

Gary Sieroslawski

Mount Prospect

Article Comments

Article Categories
Letters to the Editor Opinion

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.