Vietnam War's 50th Anniversary Sparks Reflection on Lasting Impact

Fifty years after the Vietnam War's end, its enduring impact continues to shape the lives of veterans and Vietnamese refugees, many of whom struggle with trauma and the challenges of rebuilding their lives. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers played a crucial but often overlooked role in constructing vital infrastructure, such as ports and airfields, and their efforts have been extensively documented and recently made publicly accessible. The war also saw unprecedented use of firepower, as exemplified by Operation Rolling Thunder, which dropped 5 million tons of explosives in a prolonged and largely ineffective attempt to force North Vietnamese concessions. The campaign, driven by a belief in scientific management and quantification, ultimately failed to achieve its strategic goals and instead contributed to the immense destruction and long-term consequences in the region. These aspects underscore the complexity of the conflict, its legacy of physical and psychological scars, and the ongoing process of remembrance and understanding. Together, these stories highlight both the human and historical dimensions of the Vietnam War and its aftermath.