WATCH LIVE: President Joe Biden awards the Medal of Honor to 4 Vietnam War veterans
PBS NewsHourMAY 2022
Biden Awards Medal of Honor to Four Vietnam War Veterans
Image copyright:Â EPA/Pool [via Independent]
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This ceremony finally marked a recognition of the courage and heroism that was demonstrated in abundance by Asian Americans, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders during the Vietnam War. While all four men had previously been given other awards for their actions, recognition of their efforts has rightly been elevated to reflect the unbelievable feats they endured in order to protect not only their fellow soldiers but America and its values.
Establishment-critical narrative
While the men were undoubtedly brave, this doesn't alter the fact that these Vietnam veterans, abandoned by authorities for decades, are now receiving meaningless recognition for their role in a war of aggression carried out by lying politicians at the cost of the lives of thousands of young Americans and millions of Vietnamese. Instead of issuing medals of honor, the US should apologize to all those affected by this dishonorable war.