mar 29, 1973 - Last US troops leave Vietnam
Description:
The last US combat troops officially leave Vietnam. Some military advisors stay to support the South Vietnamese as well as Marines tasked with defending US installations. Fighting will continue between North and South Vietnam.Reflection:
The American identity of "invincibility" is completely shattered after the war. Veterans returning home are severely mistreated by the public both for losing the war and for the stories of atrocities that followed them home. Additionally, soldiers who were exposed to Agent Orange faced the effects of its toxicity, including cancer. Finally, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affected almost 31% of veterans.
Added to timeline:
Date:
mar 29, 1973
Now
~ 53 years ago