The Vietnam War is one of the most contentious foreign conflicts in U.S. history, dominating the American consciousness in the 1960s and early 70s.
The war was fought between Communist-backed North Vietnam and the U.S.-backed South Vietnam, as an extension of the Cold War. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, more than 3.4 million U.S. troops served in Vietnam and 58,220 were killed.
It's been more than 40 years since the U.S. withdrew troops and South Vietnam's defeat finally ended the war.
How does the world remember the years-long conflict and the soldiers who lost their lives? How are veterans and the fallen recognized and memorialized, nationally and locally?
Guests:
- John D. Baines, founder & chairman of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial of San Antonio, Inc.
- James Reston Jr., author of "A Rift In The Earth: Art, Memory and the Fight for a Vietnam War Memorial"
This is a community conversation and we want to hear from you. Leave a voicemail with your questions and comments in advance by calling 210-615-8982. During the live show (12 - 1 p.m.), call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet at @TPRSource.
