Opinion | My Vietnam service taught me about Americans. Now, my 'Vet' cap does.
- Washington Post veteran Jay Mathews recounts his decision to volunteer for the Vietnam draft despite opposing the war.
- Mathews reflects on how his military service bridged the gap between his privileged background and the working-class recruits he served with.
- The author notes that wearing a Vietnam Vet cap today often triggers spontaneous gratitude from strangers, signaling a rare point of unity in a polarized nation.
- The piece serves as a reminder that military service remains a uniquely respected institution in the American cultural landscape.
Brief Summary
Former Washington Post columnist Jay Mathews reflects on his unconventional decision to volunteer for the Vietnam War in 1967. Eschewing graduate school deferments, Mathews sought to understand the realities of the American working class and the inequities of the era. His service as an information specialist provided him with a broader perspective on his fellow citizens and life outside his own social bubble.
Why This Matters
This story highlights the enduring, almost sacred status of the U.S. military in public life, even during times of intense political division. For you, it serves as a reminder that institutional respect for veterans acts as one of the few remaining 'social glue' elements in a fractured country. Whether you agree with past or current foreign policy, the way society interacts with those who served offers a barometer for the health of American civic culture.