The word "Vietnam" is embedded in the consciousness of millions of Americans. Vietnam: an ancient and mysterious peninsula in Southeast Asia, for nearly 2,000 years a battleground invaded first by the armies of China, then Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire, then the French. From 1955 to 1975, Vietnam was under the siege of a protracted battle that symbolized the Cold War between the World's Superpowers--the U.S. and the former Soviet Union. More than 50,000 American soldiers died there. Those who returned from service were often met with silence, producing shame and suffering for an entire nation. In the late 1960s, at the height of the anti-war movement in the U.S., Marine Platoon Leader Oliver North earned the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts during combat duty in Vietnam. A quarter-century later, North returned to the scene of many battles to help heal the wounds of the war and bring personal closure to the suffering that befell all who were a part of the country's longest and most controversial war. Through historical footage, your students will experience firsthand the history behind the war and through North's personal odyssey, will understand the importance of reconciliation between one-time adversaries.

Outline:
Introduction. Sets up Vietnam War, North, and need for healing.
One: Unlock painful memories. Suffering of Vietnam experience recalled: Admit we are hurt, then we can heal.
Two: Confront the anger & frustration. History from Ho Chi Minh to US pullout. Anger: failure, disrespect for Vets, media. North meets and sees enemies as individuals.
Three: Understand Vietnam and her people. North observes the ingenuity he once fought against now used to rebuild nation.
Four: Experience the suffering. North's anger begins to dissolve. Sees the people still valiantly struggling with the devastation of war; cancer, active land mines, orphans of our own troops.
Five: Win the war and end the suffering. North considers plan: Vets to start clinics to heal Vietnam and in so doing heal themselves.
Wrap: "Take the walk I took, face the pain, and heal the wounds of whatever you have fought."

Teachers have used this film for:
American or World History
Overcoming Emotional Pain
Mental Health
English Writing Assignment

Teachers tell us:
"This was an excellent learning adventure on Southeast Asia. Some of our students were near tears as we discussed the terrible events of the Vietnamese War." - Teacher, Texas
"Those of us who are Vietnam vets were deeply moved by the reminders." - Librarian, Texas
"Good film footage of the wartime period in our history. A good approach to presenting this conflict - different and worthwhile." - Social Studies Instructor, Wisconsin

Student reactions:
"Hearing firsthand from someone who was there --in combat --had far more impact than the report from a third party."
"They were surprised by the way former enemies became friends."