Bluffton library hosts display marking 50th anniversary of Vietnam War

By LINDA TALLANT - newsroom@islandpacket.com

November 8, 2014 4:00 PM

Veterans Day is especially poignant this year as it marks the 50th anniversary of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. The Daughters of the American Revolution -- in conjunction with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration -- have put up an astounding display at the Bluffton library to observe the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The purpose of the display is to "reflect with solemn reverence upon the valor of a generation that served with honor."

The display includes flags and memorabilia along with displays that illustrate the contributions and sacrifice these men and woman made for their country.

Some of the highlights of the display include facts such as:

The average infantryman in Vietnam saw about 240 days of combat in one year thanks to the mobility of the helicopter. In comparison, the average infantryman in the South Pacific during World War II saw about 40 days of combat in four years.

U.S. forces sent to Vietnam were the highest educated of all previously deployed armies. Seventy-nine percent had at least a high school degree prior to entering military service.

Renowned for their ingenuity, compassionate care and leadership abilities, military nurses in Vietnam treated 153,303 wounded Americans. The expert quality care provided by military nurse corps officers greatly contributed to the fact that 97.4 percent of wounded service members admitted to military hospitals survived.

The Emily Geiger Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution will honor the Greater Bluffton Vietnam Veterans in the spring. If you are a Vietnam veteran, and would like to register for this event call 843-384-1477.

If you are interested in other materials on the Vietnam War, the library has many books such as "We Are Soldiers Still: A Journey Back to the Battlefields of Vietnam," by Harold Moore and Joseph L. Galloway, "Last Men Out: The True Story of America's Heroic Final Hours in Vietnam," by Bob Drury and Tom Clavin, and "Upcountry," by Nelson DeMille. Some movies that cover the subject are "Medal of Honor" and "Vietnam: America's Conflict." Several fictional movies available are: "China Beach," "Platoon," "The Hanoi Hilton" and "First Blood."

The 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War is just one of the exciting new exhibits that can be seen at the Bluffton library. Check out our website www.beaufortcountylibrary.org for more information about displays and programs.

Linda Tallant is the reference manager at the Bluffton library.

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This story was originally published November 8, 2014 at 4:00 PM with the headline "Bluffton library hosts display marking 50th anniversary of Vietnam War."

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