Woodside: Capitol of Vietnam Casualties

Everyone's heard the story: The working-class draftee comes back from Vietnam a complete mess, only to be ridiculed and called a "fascist" by a bunch of rich brats whose daddies could keep them out of the war. Black 47 made a song about it ("My Love Is in New York"). But how often did such behavior actually happen around our town during the Seventies? After all, we were that great hotbed of anti-war sentiment, right? And at the same time, we sent a hellova lot of guys off to fight (and die) there. What kind of reception did New York's returning Vietnam vets receive? I'd really like to hear from some vets about this one.

Here's a fascinating bit of local history: I have heard that Zip Code 11377 - Woodside, Queens - had more casualties than any other in the United States. Why Woodside? Some say it was the strong patriotism of the largely blue-collar Irish people who lived there that sent them off to war. I doubt that; there are many places in this country where such a mentality is just as strong, if not stronger. And I hardly think that those of Irish descent are any more "patriotic" than any other ethnic group. Even if they were, Woodside hardly had a monopoly on the Celtic population in our town. This whole matter would make an interesting investigative journalism piece. Regardless, a lot of guys from New York went off to Nam.

Whether they returned to Woodside or anywhere else, the Vietnam vets I knew did not complain of widespread mistreatment when they returned. Some were given hero's welcomes; I remember seeing houses decorated with ribbons and flags awaiting them. For most the reception was fairly quiet. The draft ended in the early Seventies, although draftees still had to serve out their tours. People were no longer terrified that they or their friends would be called up; getting sent there was something that happened to other people. Besides, Nixon assured us, he had a Plan to  honorably exit the unpopular, undeclared war. (Some of this sounds familiar).

Whatever reception the Viet Nam vets received from their neighbors, they all seem to agree on one thing: the V.A. was not of much help.