Historical Highlight for June 11, 2023
Historical Highlight for June 11, 2023 ��� here’s a short historical fact from the history of the Vietnam war and the POW experience shared in the new Captured by Love book. In each of these nuggets of history are personal and professional lessons that can be applied today:
Keep Quiet!
In the early years of the war (1965 to 1968), POW/MIA families were told that the policy was to ���keep quiet.��� It was part of the State Department���s ���quiet diplomacy��� and the belief that publicity might bring punishments on their husbands.
This policy also meant that the military bases did not talk much about the missing men. There was little support for the wives who, in many cases, were almost treated like outsiders, especially since the people in most units turn over every 24 to 36 months. And to some degree they were seen as being a threat to morale���the presence of POW/MIA wives could be a painful reminder of the dangers of war.
Facing tough decisions when their husbands were missing was a difficult psychological battle. For example, should you move to be near your family, or should you stay near the base and the military community? And for many, their powers of attorney dates were expiring. Should you wait faithfully for your husband whose status is unknown, and he���s already been missing for two or three years? Or should you move on and find another good man?
Consider the challenges that these women and families were facing. Keeping quiet meant that they were not supposed to be sharing their story with others. So, at the same time their husbands were locked up in maximum security cell blocks to keep them discouraged and isolated from their peers and teammates, the wives were being isolated and told not to discuss their situation publicly. At a time when they most needed to be in a support community, they were often alone, facing the toughest times of their lives.
Yes, the POWs were tough and suffered, but the women stood strong and matched them in different yet painful situations. Their character, courage, and commitment were remarkable and enabled them to set a great example of leadership and teamwork that will inspire all generations.
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