Navy combat veteran shares with crowd a documentary that examines how history has been distorted.
“Truths and Myths About the Vietnam War” – a 47-minute documentary film featuring veterans who served in Southeast Asia – drew more than 200 in two screenings Saturday at the 106th American Legion National Convention in Tampa, Fla.
Alpharetta, Ga., American Legion Post 201 member James Dickson, a Vietnam War Navy combat veteran, presented the movie that examined such aspects of the war as humanitarian aid provided to the Vietnamese and disingenuous media interpretations that aided the enemy cause, which seldom find their way into mainstream media.
Dickson, who serves as secretary for the Atlanta Vietnam Veterans Business Foundation and chairman of its film committee, said the movie is not a money-making venture and that everyone in it, including Hollywood star Sam Elliott, did so voluntarily and without pay. Among those who appear in the film is U.S. Army Maj. Gen. (ret.) Patrick Brady, Medal of Honor recipient, who served on the American Legion’s 100th Anniversary Honorary Committee.
“Our only agenda is to try to get people to see our version of the war before we die,” Dickson told the crowd. “That’s our only motive.”
Dickson served on the aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga in 1968 and 1969. He was the carrier’s Operations Intelligence Officer for about 60 sailors who worked in the Combat Information Center.
The film explores the anti-war protest movement, actress Jane Fonda’s effect on public opinion during the war and political, rather than military, decision-making that harmed America’s ability to win the long, deadly war outright.
Dickson answered questions from the audience and provided thumb drives so the film can be shown at local American Legion posts. The film can be viewed on YouTube where it has been watched nearly 1 million times. It can also be played or downloaded by visiting the Atlanta Vietnam Veterans Business Association website at AVVBA.org.
- Convention