ABSTRACT
The healing process from the Vietnam tragedy in the form of a modest symbol of reconciliation has been taking place. The process seems to have moved along faster and more smoothly since the spectacular American victory in the Gulf War. The healing process began in 1976 when President Jimmy Carter, as his first act after taking office, pardoned Vietnam draft dodgers—a move which angered many Vietnam veterans but which was seen by others as acknowledgment of America's moral wrong. Almost half of all Americans are under 30 year of age and were untouched by the Vietnam War or were too young to understand the divisions it created in the 1960s. To them, Vietnam is ancient history, something old folks talk about. College freshmen were born after America's military disengagement from Vietnam started. To these educated youngsters, Vietnam and Kent State have largely retreated into hazy historical memories.
