Please enjoy this essay by Wayne R. Ferren Jr. and if you want to read more of his work go to www.authorwaynerferrenjr.com
Tomorrow the United States celebrates “National Vietnam War Veterans Day,” marking the
anniversary of the withdraw of all U.S. Combat Troops from Vietnam on March 29, 1973,
designated by the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act “to honor and pay tribute to
Vietnam Veterans and their families.” This coming April 30th, however, is the 50th anniversary of
the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, and is recognized as the end of the Vietnam War.
These two anniversaries bring attention to the tragic loss of Americans, Vietnamese, and many
others; to the enormous environmental catastrophe; and to political upheaval and regional
destabilization resulting from a war that should never have been fought. Our selfish goals of
wanting access to vital natural resources, labor, and markets and the continuation of
colonialism in support of the brutal French domination of the area prior to the previous
Vietnam War (which the French eventually lost) resulted in a failed effort because we did not
support the independence of Vietnam and its people and the promised free elections that
never took place. So, during the recognition of the anniversary of the withdrawal of troops from
Vietnam, the fall of Saigon, and the end of the Vietnam War, we cannot overlook nor should we
forget the devastation we, the United States, brought to Vietnam.
Our continuing, failed international policies have brought chaos to Iraq and Afghanistan. The
current, ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, which cannot not be fought without funding from
the United States, have done little to provide stability despite the tremendous loss of life, vast
destruction of cities and towns, and extensive environmental damage. Other conflicts and
tensions in the Africa, Asia, and South America, contribute to the nearly global extent of war
mentality and its many deleterious direct and unintended consequences. As I quoted, in a
previous blog regarding the United Nations “World Peace Day” commemoration, “Wars begin
in the minds of men, so it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be
constructed.” Preemptive actions of peace, negotiation, compromise, and a strategy for
compassionate living must be the focus moving forward, leaving in the past the warrior
mentality we witness on a daily basis today.
War is never the answer. Peace on earth, justice and equity for all, and harmony with nature
must always prevail. In my memoir, Conscientious Objector – A Journey of Peace, Justice,
Culture, and Environment, I focus on these themes that are vital for the survival of our planet,
and are as relevant today as they were over 50 years ago when I resisted the military draft and
performed alternative civilian service as a conscientious objector against all wars. Recently, my
memoir was awarded two prestigious awards, the Literary Titan Gold Book Award and the
International Impact Book Award. This is what they had to say: “Ferren’s prose is honest and
reflective, with a warmth that draws you in even when he tackles difficult subjects. I’d
recommend this book to anyone interested in the Vietnam era, environmental ethics, or the
philosophical challenges of living a principled life. Whether you’re a history buff, a pacifist, or
just someone who appreciates a well-told life story, this book has something valuable to offer…
The Literary Titan Gold Book Award affirms the book’s significance as both a historical account
and an inspiring call to action. In a time when conversations around war, justice, and
environmental responsibility remain urgent, Conscientious Objector stands as a beacon of
wisdom and moral integrity.” [The International Impact Book Award] “is a testament to the
impact your work has made in the literary world. Your story, your voice, and your commitment
to excellence have resonated with readers and judges alike…” I believe each of us can make a
positive difference in today’s troubled world by how we think, act, and react to daily challenges.
Antiwar, pro-peace, and harmony with nature are vital themes in a world stretched to the limit
with hate, distrust, greed, and violence. As believed in many cultures, “We are all children of
the same universe.” And, “Do that which is right.” We must love each other, uphold standards
of decency for all beings of this world, and live exemplary peace-loving and environmentally
conscientious lives, so future generations can inherit this planet with compassion for all things,
because “without compassion, what is right and what is wrong?” On these two anniversaries of
the Vietnam War, let’s move forward individually and collectively to solve global conflicts
peacefully and prevent future wars
