VIETNAM U.S. ARMY FOOTLOCKER

Forty eight years later my OD green Army footlocker surfaces. How amazing is this souvenir of the war in which I served. Made of plywood this memoir greeted me in 1968 it's worth $50! Thinking it proper to send some souvenirs home, brass candle sticks and oriental candles come to mind. I also returned with other goodies. I also had a Army machete that wouldn't be allowed in today's world.

War souvenirs gave my year in Vietnam meaning. The USA symbol of a handshake was something I found on a sack of flour. The best souvenirs are Vietnamese Laquerware paintings done by Vietnamese. You can see samples at Phuongnam.com. I gave several away keeping  giant lacquer for myself. Returning to America was very special to me. Having a footlocker full of goodies gave my year meaning and purpose.

In Vung Tau the streets were full of vendors hawking their wares. I found trading interesting because trading is part of my persona. The complexities of being  soldier is nothing to hide but something to wear with pride.

 

FLIGHT JACKET I HAVE TODAY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enough said!