Former defence chief Hagel opens Pentagon’s Vietnam exhibit

Hagel and his brother Tom served in Vietnam in 1968 — a year, he said, that saw the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy, as well as riots in the streets and “tremendous social unrest.”

Now, in recognizing the 50th anniversary, the country has finally corrected the wrongs done to veterans returning from the war, Hagel said. The exhibit, he said, provides accurate, historical reflection on the war and the times.

Spread around part of the Pentagon’s A Ring, which faces the inner courtyard, the exhibit includes portions of two Huey helicopters as well as other historical combat equipment and materials. It documents the history of the war and has interactive displays that focus on the war from the veterans’ perspective.

Defence Secretary Ash Carter formally opened the exhibit, along with Hagel.

About nine million U.S. troops served during the Vietnam war era, and about seven million are still living today. More than 58,000 Americans were killed during the conflict.

The official 50th anniversary commemoration recognizes the 20-year span from November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, to acknowledge the service of all those who were on active duty during that time.

November 1, 1955, was chosen to coincide with the official designation of Military Assistance Advisory Group-Vietnam (MAAG-V), and May 15, 1975, marks the end of the battle precipitated by the seizure of the merchant ship SS Mayaguez, which was the last official battle of the war.

Lolita C. Baldor, The Associated Press

by Canadian Press

Former defence chief Hagel opens Pentagon’s Vietnam exhibit

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