|
Tuesday, February 09, 2010 - 10:12:08 AM
Local News
    |
Photographic Memories Recount Vietnam War - 11/28/2009
A picture is worth a thousand words and Brenda Brown says each photo of her husband's experience in Vietnam provide at least that many. "These pictures help me to understand how a person survives that situation, the humanity, what a person needs to survive that experience," Brenda Brown said.
Captain Julius Brown served in the Army during Vietnam and now nearly 40 years after he completed his tour his family is sharing his experience through photos and letters.
"Seeing some of the pictures sort of cemented some of the values that he always preached to us on giving back," said Captain Brown's son Lakeino Brown.
Many of the letters from Captain Brown express the longing for his family thousands of miles away, and in order to cope, he volunteered his free time, something he kept with him until his death five years ago.
"Working in the orphanage provided him with a way of still dealing with family-type situations," Brenda Brown said.
While some soldiers turned to drugs and alcohol to escape, Captain Brown had other ways of expanding his mind.
"There was things that they had to do to keep their minds off of what was really going on, whether it be listening to music, whether it be playing sports, whether it be writing letters," Lakeino Brown said.
The more than 50 piece display at the Broome County Library not only helps Captain Brown's family to honor his service in the Vietnam War, but also helps the families of other former soldiers.
"They said 'this is the first time after viewing this exhibit that I really understand my father.' She didn't understand that violence, she didn't understand that silence, she didn't understand that whole Vietnam experience," Brenda said.
Just like Vietnam became part of who the Browns are, they say America's current military conflicts will be carried by today's youth.
"I now have a grandchild who is 15, and the war that we're embarking on, this is going to be his experience, this is going to be his life," Brenda Brown said.
But the Browns say they hope that young man's experience won't be first hand like his grandfather.
***FOX 40's Chris Whalen Reporting***
VIEW VIDEOView Related Articles:
Broome County or comment on this one below.
Binghamton web design and website hosting by EFX internet 
Additional Articles
|
 | |
Request A News Story
If you are looking for a copy of a news story that we recently aired, simply click here to find out how.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
FOX 40 Poll
Breaking News
Do you have a tip or information about a breaking news story? Contact the FOX 40 News Desk at 607.798.0070 or send us an email .
to