Day of the Vietvets

By presidential proclamation, Viet Nam Veterans Day was observed last week, marking one year since the last U.S. troops left Nam-- after a rankling, costly 9 1/2-year war. Yet the war's devastation was still making itself felt among many of the nation's 2.5 million Viet Nam war veterans. No fewer than 23,000 are totally disabled. A full 10% of all veterans in the 20 to 24 age bracket are jobless. The most bitter complaint for many centers on college and vocational education. They quite properly ask how a Vietvet is supposed to pay for tuition, books, rent and personal expenses on the present allowance of $220 per month.

An angry contingent of some 750 veterans descended on Washington last week in protest, including six who occupied the top floor of the Washington monument for 30 minutes. One of them noted that in contrast to the outpouring of federal aid programs and massive industry drives to hire veterans after World War II, "Today, we are lucky if we get a two-minute spot after the late movie, containing a rather banal 'Don't forget -- hire the vet.' "

Though his Administration has been laggard in providing aid for the veterans, President Nixon showed that at least he appreciates them. Said the Commander in Chief in a drum-thumping speech at the National War College: "Because they saw it through, because they did not quit, we were able to negotiate an honorable end to the war at the conference table, which would not have been possible had they not served with distinction and courage to the end."Many Vietvets, however, are now concerned about goals closer to home. A veterans' lobbyist later complained that Nixon "didn't once mention things that the country should be doing for the Viet Nam veterans." Among their worthy goals: boosting education benefits, assisting the many vets still struggling with psychological readjustment, and helping free thousands from drug addiction.

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