The Vietnam War presents one of the most fascinating and painful eras in U.S. history. For the first time ever, the actions of the people effected change in the political leadership and decision-making, contributing directly to the end of the Vietnam War. Little has been written from the perspective of teens who were not quite old enough to be drafted or independent enough to participate.
The last and most important reason that convinced me to write this book was my husband’s experience in an all-boys military prep school in the late 1960s. He provided the necessary background information of military procedures as well as what really goes on in a school no girl/woman can set foot in. And while I may have borrowed the occasional inspiration from my husband, this story is based on my imagination and therefore fiction.
America’s soul becomes totally poisoned, part of the autopsy must read Vietnam.” Martin Luther King Jr., 1967
Below I’ve listed an expanded version of Vietnam War and Anti-War Movement facts as well as a study guide to help spur discussion. As always I’m open to your questions and suggestions and invite you to contact me.
Vietnam War Facts
The Vietnam War was a complex and long-lasting endeavor that morphed into horrific tragedy for many Americans and the Vietnamese people. There were many sides and as President Richard Nixon said, the Vietnam War is neither easily explained nor understood….download PDF
Anti-war Movement Facts
Also known as the peace movement, the anti-war movement began with small groups of left-leaning students on U.S. college campuses….download PDF
Discussion Guide
Here is a list of questions to help spur discussion.
1. Why is Tom so angry when he hears that Andy is enjoying Sarge’s orienteering lessons? …download PDF
Sample Video Footage
The Great Silent Majority – President Nixon Address
Vietnam War Music
Creedance Clearwater Revival – Fortunate Son
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=plj82F4kY7o
Lyrics – Fortunate Son
Some folks are born, made to wave the flag
Ooo, they’re red, white and blue
And when the band plays “Hail to the Chief”
Ooo, they point the cannon at you, Lord
It ain’t me, it ain’t me, I ain’t no senator’s son, son
It ain’t me, it ain’t me, I ain’t no fortunate one, no
Some folks are born, silver spoon in hand
Lord, don’t they help themselves, y’all
But when the taxman comes to the door
Lord, the house looks like a rummage sale, yeah
It ain’t me, it ain’t me, I ain’t no millionaire’s son, no, no
It ain’t me, it ain’t me, I ain’t no fortunate one, no
Yeah, yeah
Some folks inherit star spangled eyes
Ooh, they send you down to war, Lord
And when you ask ’em, “How much should we give?”
Ooh, they only answer “More! More! More!”, y’all
It ain’t me, it ain’t me, I ain’t no military son, son
It ain’t me, it ain’t me, I ain’t no fortunate one, one
It ain’t me, it ain’t me, I ain’t no fortunate one, no, no, no
It ain’t me, it ain’t me, I ain’t no fortunate son, no, no, no
Songwriters: JOHN C. FOGERTY
Fortunate Son lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC GROUP, INC