Too many people take New York for granted. The primary reason is that history is not taught. That's outrageous in a city where the past is still visible.
Pete HamillRead
Everybody who went to Vietnam carries his or her own version of the war. Only 10 percent engaged in combat; the American elephant, pursuing the Vietnamese grasshopper, was extraordinarily heavy with logistical support.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The Vietnam War is viewed differently by each participant, and logistical support played a crucial role in the conflict's dynamics.
In this quote, Pete Hamill highlights the subjective nature of war experiences, emphasizing that every individual who served in Vietnam has their own interpretation of their involvement. He notes that while only a small percentage were directly engaged in combat, the vast logistical support behind the American military efforts was substantial, likening it to an elephant pursuing a much lighter, more agile opponent, the Vietnamese forces. This metaphor captures the complexities and differing perspectives on warfare, suggesting that understanding the war requires acknowledging both the combat and the support elements involved.
Themes
VietnamWarExperienceCombatLogisticsPerspective
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the psychological impact of veterans, you might quote Hamill to emphasize diverse perspectives of war.
More from Pete Hamill
All quotes →Just like that. Gone forever. They will not grow old together. They will never live on a beach by the sea, their hair turned white, dancing in a living room to Billie Holiday or Nat Cole. They will not enter a New York club at midnight and show the poor hip-hop fools how to dance. They will not chuckle together over the endless folly of the world, its vanities and stupid ambitions. They will not hug each other in any chilly New York dawn. Oh, Mary Lou. My baby. My love.
Pete HamillRead
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