As America commemorates the Vietnam War's fiftieth anniversary, those who sought refuge in Canada discuss their past decisions and the ongoing implications of their exile.
The Vietnam War Legacy: Reflections from American Exiles in Canada
The Vietnam War Legacy: Reflections from American Exiles in Canada
Fifty years on, Vietnam War resisters reflect on their choices and uneasy ties with the U.S.
John Bergenske was among those who decided to leave the United States to avoid the Vietnam draft, receiving conscientious objector status before moving to Canada in 1970. In the wake of President Jimmy Carter's 1977 amnesty offer, thousands of Americans were invited to return home, but many who fled to Canada during the turbulent 1960s and 70s chose to stay away. This decision often carried deep personal ramifications, leading to severed family ties and feelings of shame.
Canada had provided a haven for war resisters, opposed to the U.S. involvement in Vietnam, who felt they could not serve in the military under the prevailing circumstances. However, the political climate in recent years has renewed feelings of uncertainty for these American exiles as they grapple with the U.S.'s changing stance under various administrations.
In a reflective journey across Canada, a journalist spoke with a number of former draft dodgers, who are now in their 70s and 80s. They shared their thoughts on their past decisions and the noteworthy changes in both the United States and Canada.
Among those voices was Richard Lemm, a resident of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. His story highlights the ongoing struggle of war resisters to reconcile their past choices with the evolving political landscape. As they navigate their memories of the Vietnam War, tensions in North America have resurfaced, mirroring the divisive sentiments from decades ago.
The narrative surrounding the Vietnam War is far more than a historical account; it continues to shape the lives of those who actively opposed the conflict, leaving them to wonder what place they hold in their country of origin and the nation that offered them refuge. As the 50th anniversary reflects a moment for remembrance, it also pushes them to confront not only their past but fears about the future.
Canada had provided a haven for war resisters, opposed to the U.S. involvement in Vietnam, who felt they could not serve in the military under the prevailing circumstances. However, the political climate in recent years has renewed feelings of uncertainty for these American exiles as they grapple with the U.S.'s changing stance under various administrations.
In a reflective journey across Canada, a journalist spoke with a number of former draft dodgers, who are now in their 70s and 80s. They shared their thoughts on their past decisions and the noteworthy changes in both the United States and Canada.
Among those voices was Richard Lemm, a resident of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. His story highlights the ongoing struggle of war resisters to reconcile their past choices with the evolving political landscape. As they navigate their memories of the Vietnam War, tensions in North America have resurfaced, mirroring the divisive sentiments from decades ago.
The narrative surrounding the Vietnam War is far more than a historical account; it continues to shape the lives of those who actively opposed the conflict, leaving them to wonder what place they hold in their country of origin and the nation that offered them refuge. As the 50th anniversary reflects a moment for remembrance, it also pushes them to confront not only their past but fears about the future.
