Facing the Facts
“My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” When the late President John F. Kennedy delivered that quote, he wanted to inspire the people of the U.S. to want to defend their country and take pride in our great nation. However, when it comes to this war we are currently engaged in with the North and South Vietnamese countries, this quote cannot be applied. This quote cannot be applied due to the fact that this war does not have an impact at the country at all. We are sending brave and innocent young soldiers into battle telling them that they are serving their country when really America gains or loses nothing besides their warriors. Lets break it down by the numbers.
“My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” When the late President John F. Kennedy delivered that quote, he wanted to inspire the people of the U.S. to want to defend their country and take pride in our great nation. However, when it comes to this war we are currently engaged in with the North and South Vietnamese countries, this quote cannot be applied. This quote cannot be applied due to the fact that this war does not have an impact at the country at all. We are sending brave and innocent young soldiers into battle telling them that they are serving their country when really America gains or loses nothing besides their warriors. Lets break it down by the numbers.
- There have been 58,220 U.S. soldiers killed in the war.
- The average age of death for American soldiers is 23.11 years old, far too young.
- 1 out of every 10 American soldiers were casualties.
- MEDEVAC helicopters flew nearly 500,000 missions.
- Over 900,000 patients were airlifted (nearly half were American).
- The average time lapse between wounding to hospitalization was less than one hour.
- As a result, less than one percent of all Americans wounded who survived the first 24 hours died.
- Washington Post