Vietnam Veterans of America
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July/August 2015

In this issue:

THE CONTINUING TRAGEDY OF THE U.S.S. FRANK E. EVANS: While returning to the war zone, the U.S.S. Frank E. Evans was diverted to an international training exercise. On the night of June 3, 1969, the flagship of the Royal Australian Navy—the 22,000-ton H.M.A.S. Melbourne—sliced into the much smaller destroyer. Seventy-four men drowned; only one body was recovered. None of those names are on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial—the DoD says they weren’t technically in the war zone. [on the cover]
“The Continuing Tragedy of the U.S.S. Frank E. Evans”


photo: Xande AndererAFOOT IN SPRINGFIELD: WHAT TO SEE AND DO—AND EAT—AT THE CONVENTION
VVA will hold its 17th National Convention July July 21-25, in Illinois’ capital city. Xande Anderer gives the lay of the land—attractions, sights, shopping, and dining—all within walking distance of the Springfield Hilton and Doubletree Abraham Lincoln, the host hotels.


art: Marty BeeTODAY’S BLUE: ARSENIC IN THE ENVIRONMENT
In our May/June issue, Loana Hoylman discussed the use of Agent Blue, the arsenic-based herbicide that was used to target the food supply during the Vietnam War. Many veterans were exposed. That previous exposure also makes them much more sensitive to arsenic now.


Photos: Bill ShugartsVIETNAM VETERANS & HONOR FLIGHT
As the 44 Vietnam veterans of the Honor Flight Nevada exited their bus and prepared to march to The Wall, the brilliant Washington, D.C. sunshine, high temperature, and dripping humidity immediately ignited memories of their tours in Vietnam…


art: Xande AndererPATRIOTISM, THE FLAG CODE, AND THE FLAG LAPEL PIN: Marc Leepson, author of Flag: An American Biography, continues his series of articles on the American flag. This issue he examines the political paradox of wearing flag lapel pins.


“In Memory of Skip: A Memorial day Poem & Photo Essay


Departments
Also:
Fifty Years Ago: American Troops Land in Santo Domingo Walter Anderson:
Excellent in the Arts
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